T. Ponnambalam v. The Managing Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 05.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN T.Ponnambalam ....

Petitioner Vs.

The Managing Director Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram)Ltd, Vellore Region, No.3/137, Salamedu, Kandamanadi P.O, Villupuram -605 602 .... Respondent Prayer:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay interest at 10 percentage for the belated payment of terminal benefits, such as Gratuity, Provident fund and Leave salary and 45 days E.L.salary surrendered in November 2017, 2018 and 2019 with 10 percentage interest to the petitioner.

For Petitioner :

Mr.S.T.Varadarajulu For Respondent :

Mrs.S.Pavithra Standing Counsel

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for direction directing the respondent to pay appropriate interest to the petitioners for the delayed sanction and disbursement of retirement benefits.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

3. In identical issues, this Court has passed various orders, justifying the payment of interest to the aggrieved pensioners and in the order dated 13.12.2019 in W.P.(MD) No.26481 of 2019, the following order came to be passed :- "5. I am not in agreement with the said representation made. There was already a duty cast on the respondent Corporation to pay the terminal benefits on the date of retirement itself and the very fact that the belated disbursement of retirement benefit, had already put the retired employee to serious prejudice, entertaining the present request for disbursement of the interest on the belated payment in installments, could cause further prejudice to the retired employee.

6. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the respondent / Corporation to pay the penal interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the belated payment of the retirement benefits for the period from the date of the retirement, till the date of the actual disbursement, as expeditiously as possible and in any event, not before the expiry of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. This Court is of the view that the respondent could be directed to pay the interest on the belated payment, at the rate of 6% per annum, as ordered in the above writ petition.

5. In the light of the above findings, there shall be a direction to the respondent to pay the interest on the belated payment of the terminal benefits to the petitioners at the rate of 6% per annum, commencing from the date of the retirement, till the date of actual disbursement, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

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

05.11.2025 shr Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To The Managing Director Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram)Ltd, Vellore Region, No.3/137, Salamedu, Kandamanadi P.O, Villupuram -605 602

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

shr 05.11.2025