Madras High CourtWP/34780/2024disposed of

R.Ravikumar v. M/S.State Express Transport Corporation

2024-11-25Honourable Mr Justice J.Sathya Narayana Prasad6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 25.11.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE J.SATHYA NARAYANA PRASAD R.Ravikumar ... Petitioner Vs.

M/s.State Express Transport Corporation, Rep.by its Managing Director, No.2, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.

... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for the issuance of a direction in the nature of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to settle a sum of Rs.1,88,799/- towards 6% interest for the belated settlement of terminal benefits and to refund the payment towards Social Security Scheme and refund of payment towards Erode Engineering College and Perundurai Medical College to the petitioner herein by considering the representation of the petitioner dated 05.11.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.D.Soundar Raj For Respondent : Mr.Venkatesha Perumal

O R D E R

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This writ petition is filed to direct the respondent to settle a sum of Rs.1,88,799/- towards 6% interest for the belated settlement of terminal benefits and to refund the payment towards Social Security Scheme and refund of payment towards Erode Engineering College and Perundurai Medical College to the petitioner herein by considering the representation of the petitioner dated 05.11.2024.

2. The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner joined as Helper in the respondent Corporation on 01.02.1992 and retired from service on 31.03.2023. The terminal benefits for a sum of Rs.19,87,364/- were paid to the petitioner only on 30.10.2024 after a delay of 19 months without interest and further refund of payment towards Social Security Scheme and refund of payment towards Erode Engineering College and Perundurai Medical College were not settled to the petitioner. Hence, he sent a representation of the petitioner dated 05.11.2024 to the respondent to settle a sum of Rs.1,88,799/- towards 6% interest for the belated settlement of terminal benefits and also requested to refund the payment towards Social Security Scheme and refund of payment towards Erode Engineering College and Perundurai Medical College, but the same was not considered. 2/6

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner retired from service on 31.03.2023, and the terminal benefits of a sum of Rs.19,87,364/- was paid to the petitioner only on 30.10.2024 after a delay of 19 months. Hence, he has filed this writ petition seeking 6% interest for the belated settlement for terminal benefits.

4. Mr.Venkatesha Perumal, the learned standing counsel takes notice for respondent.

5. The learned standing counsel submits that the petitioner's representation dated 05.11.2024 would be considered on merits and in accordance with law by the Authority concerned.

6. Heard the learned counsel on both sides and perused the materials available on record.

7. In view of the above, the respondent is directed to settle the terminal benefits with 6% interest for the belated period from 01.04.2023 to 3/6

30.10.2024. With regard to refund of Social Security Scheme and refund of payment towards Erode Engineering College and Perundurai Medical College, it is up to the respondent to consider the same based on the representation of the petitioner dated 05.11.2024, and pass appropriate orders on merits, in accordance with law and as per rules, within a period of eight weeks from the date of a receipt of a copy of this order. If the benefits are not settled in eight weeks, the respondent shall pay interest of 12% for the delay period.

8. In the result, the writ petition stands disposed of with the above observation and direction. No costs.

25.11.2024 ssn Index : Yes/No Speaking/Non Speaking order To The Managing Director, State Express Transport Corporation, No.2, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.

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J.SATHYA NARAYANA PRASAD, J., ssn 5/6

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