P.Harikrishnan (Retd.) v. The Managing Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 18.08.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA P.Harikrishnan ... Petitioner Vs.

The Managing Director Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd. Pallavan House Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

... 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 18% per annum, for the period of delay from 31.12.2022 to 30.10.2024, in paying the amounts paid towards terminal benefits namely EPF Employees Contribution, Gratuity and Earned Leave within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sivaskandavarman For Respondent : Mr.A.Vinothraj 1/4

ORDER

The above writ petition is filed seeking a mandamus to the respondent to pay interest @ 18% on the belated payment of terminal benefits namely EPF contribution, gratuity and earned leave, which is due to the petitioner, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

2. The petitioner who had worked as Senior Assistant Engineer in the respondent Corporation, had retired on 31.12.2022 under the Special Voluntary Retirement Scheme. Though the petitioner had retired on 31.12.2022, the terminal benefits have been credited to his bank account only on 30.10.2024, after a gap of nearly 22 months from the date of his retirement. Therefore, the petitioner had submitted his representation dated 25.07.2025, claiming interest @18% towards the delayed payment of terminal benefits. However, the respondents have not taken any steps whatsoever to consider the claim of the petitioner to date. Hence, the petitioner is before this Court. The fact that the payments have been made with a delay has not been controverted by the respondent. 2/4

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

4. Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case, a mandamus is issued to the respondents to pay interest @ 6% for the belated payment of the terminal benefits from the date of retirement till the date of actual disbursal of the terminal benefits of the petitioner, within a period of six weeks from the from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The interest at 6% per annum is granted taking into account the present rate of interest in fixed deposits and earlier orders of this Court. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

18.08.2025 Index : Yes / No ds To:

The Managing Director Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd., Pallavan House, Anna Salai Chennai - 600 002.

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P.T. ASHA, J, ds 18.08.2025 4/4