C.Kumaresan, v. The Managing Director,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 27.11.2023
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH C.Kumaresan
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.The Managing Director Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Salem) Ltd., No.12, Ramakrishna Road Salem - 636 007
2. The Administrator Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employees Post Retirement Welfare Fund Trust Thiruvaluvar House, Pallavan Salai Chennai - 600 002
...Respondents
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to disburse the belated payment of interest amount of Provident Fund, Gratuity, Commutation amount of Pension Leave Salary, Social Welfare Fund, Compensation amount for Voluntary retirement,Contribution amount remitted for Institutes of Road Transport and last 7 days salary with effect from 01.10.2020 within the stipulated time and to disperse unsettled benefits of surrender leave salary as may be fixed by this 1/5
Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.N.Desinghu For Respondents : Mr.K.Raja Standing Counsel for R1 Mr.CSK.Sathish Standing Counsel for R2
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 had voluntarily retired from service on 30.09.2020. His terminal benefits, i.e. Provident Fund, Gratuity, Commutation amount of Pension, Leave Salary, Social Welfare Fund, Compensation amount for Voluntary retirement, Contribution amount remitted for Institutes of Road Transport and last 7 days salary with effect from 01.10.2020, came to be settled belatedly. However, leave surrender salary is yet to be paid. The petitioner now claims for the unsettled benefits, together with interest for the belated payment. In this regard, the petitioner has given a representation to the respondents on 12.03.2022, which is yet to be considered.
3. This Court, in various decisions, have already taken a view that 2/5
in all cases of belated payment of the terminal benefits, the concerned employee would be entitled for interest at the rate of 6% per annum. In this background, this Court is of the view that if the respondents are directed to settle the unpaid terminal benefits to the petitioner, together with interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits, the ends of justice could be secured.
4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the first respondent herein to pay the unsettled benefits to the petitioner, together with interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits from the date of the petitioner's retirement 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.
27.11.2023 Index:Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order gpa To 3/5
1.The Managing Director Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Salem) Ltd., No.12, Ramakrishna Road Salem - 636 007
2. The Administrator Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employees Post Retirement Welfare Fund Trust Thiruvaluvar House, Pallavan Salai Chennai - 600 002 4/5
M.S.RAMESH,J.
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