S.Duraidass, And 2 Others v. Tmt.K.Santhi, I.A.S., And Another

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 10.02.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE R. HEMALATHA

1. S.Duraidass

2. K.Srinivasan

3. P.Kuppan ... Petitioners ..Vs..

1. Tmt.K.Santhi, I.A.S., The District Collector, 1st Floor, Main Building, District Collectorate, Dharmapuri 636 705.

2. V.Rajani, The Tahsildar, Palacode, Karagathahalli, Palacode - 636 808.

... Respondents PRAYER : Contempt Petition filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act praying to punish the respondents for disobeying the order of this Hon'ble Court in W.P. No. 9310/2022 dated 05.10.2023. For Petitioners : Ms.D.Geetha For Respondents : Mr.P.Balathandayutham Special Government Pleader

JUDGMENT

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This Court on 05.10.2023 in W.P.No.9310 of 2022 has passed the following order:

"2. Gratuity is paid to an employee as part of his / her salary and is considered to be a benefit plan which is designed to help the employee during his/her retirement. Gratuity if not paid, can be recovered as land revenue under Revenue Recovery Act. In the instant case, orders for payment of gratuity along with 10% interest were passed as early as 2020. In the circumstances, the respondents 1 and 2 are directed to consider the representations of the petitioners and the communications sent to them by the 3rd respondent, after giving notice to the 4th respondent and pass appropriate orders both in representations of the petitioners and the communications sent by the 3rd respondent within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

3. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs."

2. As per the above directions, the District Collector, Dharmapuri vide her proceedings in Na.Ka.No.16412/2020/F.1, dated 2/4

30.01.2025, has initiated action under Section 8 of the Revenue Recovery Act, 1864 against the Management, Dharmapuri District Cooperative Sugar Factory, Palacode for recovery of a sum of Rs.22,19,877/-.

3. Recording the same, this Contempt Petition is closed. No costs.

10.02.2025 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order / Non speaking order vum To Tmt.K.Santhi, I.A.S., District Collector, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.

R. HEMALATHA, J.

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