L.J.Selvaraj v. The General Manager

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 31.07.2023 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE N. SATHISH KUMAR L.J.Selvaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Ltd., Vellore Region, Rangapuram, Vellore - 632 009.

... Respondent Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondent to pay interest @ 10% for the belated payment of Gratuity, Leave Salary and Provident Fund amount to the petitioner.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.T.Varadarajalu For Respondent : Mr.R.Venkatesa Perumal

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed to direct the respondent to pay interest @ 10% for the belated payment of Gratuity, Leave Salary and Provident Fund amount to the petitioner.

2.It is the case of the petitioner that he retired from the respondent Corporation on 30.06.2022 and his retirement benefits were belatedly settled only on 20.05.2023. Therefore, it is the contention of the petitioner that the petitioner is eligible for interest on the belated payment of his retirement benefits, viz., Gratuity, Leave Salary and Provident Fund. Hence, the petitioner seeks interest at the rate of 10% per annum for the belated payment of his retirement benefits.

3.Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.R.Venkatesa Perumal, learned counsel, who takes notice for the respondent.

4.This Court, in various decisions, have already taken a view that, in all cases of belated payment of terminal benefits, the concerned employee would be entitled to interest at the rate of 4% per annum. Hence, this Court is of the view that the petitioner is entitled to interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits.

5.Accordingly, the respondent is directed to pay interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the belated payment of the retirement benefits to the petitioner, from the date of his retirement till the date of actual disbursement, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6.With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

31.07.2023 mkn Internet : Yes Index : Yes / No Speaking order / Nonspeaking order To The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Ltd., Vellore Region, Rangapuram, Vellore - 632 009.

N. SATHISH KUMAR, J.

mkn 31.07.2023