A.Indhumathi v. The Management Of

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 01.06.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH A. Indhumathi ... Petitioner Vs.

The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Ltd., Rep. by its Managing Director, Coimbatore.

... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 21.05.21 to 26.03.23, in paying the amounts paid towards the terminal benefits namely EPF, Gratuity and Encashment of Earned/Sick Leaves of her deceased husband/employee (Late) C.Arjunan, Staff No.92CR1015770, within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.V. Ajay Khose For Respondent : Mr.Murali Vinoth, Standing Counsel [TNSTC] 1/4

ORDER

With the consent of both the parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. The petitioner herein is the wife of the deceased employee who died during his service on 20.05.2021. However, the terminal benefits of the petitioner's husband came to be settled belatedly and the respondent has not paid the interest for the belated payment, for which she has given representation on 30.03.2023, which is yet to be considered.

3. This Court, in various decisions, have already taken a view that in all cases of belated payment of the terminal benefits, the concerned employee would be entitled for interest at the rate of 4% per annum. In this background, this Court is of the view that the petitioner would be entitled for interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits of her husband and for the remaining claims if any, the respondent could be directed to consider the petitioner's representation.

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4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the respondent herein, to pay interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits from the date of the death of the deceased employee till the date of actual payment, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

01.06.2023 Speaking/Non-speaking Order Internet: Yes/No Index: Yes/No Sni To The Managing Director, Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Ltd., Coimbatore.

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M.S.RAMESH,J.

Sni 01.06.2023 4/4