P.Natarajan v. The Managing Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 01.12.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH 1.P.Natarajan 2.S.Subramanian 3.T.Gajendiran 4.M.Jayachandran

...Petitioners

Vs.

1. The Managing Director Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Ltd., 3/137, Salamedu Villupuram - 605 602

2. The General Manager Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Ltd., Cuddalore Region No.2, Imperial Road Cuddalore Cuddalore District - 607 002

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 10% fro the belated payment of Grauity, PF and Leave Salary to the petitioners.

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For Petitioners : Mr.S.T.Varadarajulu For Respondents : Mr.R.Venkatesa Perumal Standing Counsel for R1 & 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 petitioners 1 to 3 herein had retired from service on 31.07.2022 and the fourth petitioner had retired from service on 30.06.2022, however, their terminal benefits came to be settled belatedly on 22.05.2023 and 23.05.2023 but the respondents have not paid interest for the belated payments. In this regard, the petitioners have given representations to the respondents, which are yet to be considered.

3. This Court, in various decisions, have already taken a view that 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 pay interest on the belated payment of the terminal benefits oft the petitioners, the ends of justice could be secured.

4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction 2/4

to the respondents herein to settle the interest amount at the rate of 6% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits from the date of the petitioners 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.

01.12.2023 Index:Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order gpa To

1. The Managing Director Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Ltd., 3/137, Salamedu Villupuram - 605 602

2. The General Manager Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Ltd., Cuddalore Region No.2, Imperial Road Cuddalore Cuddalore District - 607 002 3/4

M.S.RAMESH,J.

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