Madras High CourtWP/22525/2026disposed of

G.Ambika v. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Salem) Ltd.,

2026-06-19Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 19-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA WMP No.24448 of 2026

1. G.Ambika

2. C.Maheswari ..Petitioners Vs Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Salem) Limited, Rep. by its Managing director, No.12, Ramakrishna Road, Salem 7.

..Respondent(s) PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to pay interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum to the petitioners for the belated payment of terminal benefits, namely Provident Fund, Gratuity and Earned Leave Salary for the respective periods of delay of 237 days and 294 days within a time framed to be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.R.Krishnaswamy For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.Raja, Standing Counsel

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to pay interest of 12% per annum to the

petitioners for belated payment of Provident Fund, Gratuity and Earned Leave Salary within a time framed to be fixed by this Court.

2. It is the case of the petitioners that the husband of the first petitioner joined the services of the respondent Corporation and while in service, he passed away on 09.06.2025. The husband of the second petitioner joined the services of the respondent Corporation and while in service, he passed away on 04.02.2026. The terminal benefits of the first petitioner were settled on 30.03.2026 and the terminal benefits of the second petitioner were settled on 25.03.2026. Therefore, the petitioners claimed interest at the rate of 12% on the belated payment of terminal benefits and they had also made representations to the respondents to pay interest for the belated payment of terminal benefits, which has not been evoked any response so far. Hence, the petitioners are before this Court.

3. The learned Standing Counsel for the respondent would fairly submit that they are willing to pay the interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of the eligible and admissible amount.

4. Heard the learned counsels appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

From perusal of the records, it is seen that the first petitioner's husband last worked as a Senior Tradesman with the respondent corporation and passed away while in service on 04.02.2026. The second petitioner's husband last worked as a Selection Grade Conductor and passed away on 09.06.2025 while in service. The petitioners alleged that there was a delay of 237 and 294 days respectively in paying their terminal benefits. However, the first petitioner's terminal benefits were settled on 25.03.2026, and the second petitioner's terminal benefits were settled on 30.03.2026. Therefore, the first petitioner's terminal benefits were paid within a month and days of her husband's demise and the second petitioner's terminal benefits were paid within nine months and 21 days. Hence, the petitioners' claims of a 237-day and 294day delay are completely inaccurate and unsustainable. 6.

In view of the above, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the respondent to consider the petitioner's respective representations and disburse the interest calculated on the basis of actual number of days of delay at the rate of 6% per annum, from the date of the death till the date of actual disbursal of the terminal benefits of the petitioner, within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, WMP.No.24448 of 2026 is ordered. 19-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order VKR To Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Salem) Limited, Rep. by its Managing director, No.12, Ramakrishna Road, Salem 7.

P.T.ASHA, J.

VKR 19-06-2026