Dr.K.Thanunathan v. The Annamalai University

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12-11-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN Dr.K.Thanunathan Petitioner Vs

1. The Annamalai University Rep. By Its Registrar, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore District 608 002.

2.The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. By Its Secretary, Higher Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 600 009.

Respondents PRAYER Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to forthwith settle the retiral dues such as gratuity, Earned and unearned leave, commutation of pension, commutation and 7th pay Commission arrears with interest at the rate of 24 percent per annum from the date on which the same fell dues till the date of realization, within a period as may be stipulated by this Honourable Court.

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For Petitioner:

Mr.L. Chandrakumar For Respondents:

Mr.S.Venkatesh for M/s.Ajmal Associates for R.1 Mr.M.R.Gokulkrishnan, AGP for R.2

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed for a direction directing the respondents to forthwith settle the retiral dues such as gratuity, Earned and unearned leave, commutation of pension, and 7th pay Commission arrears with interest at the rate of 24 percent per annum from the date on which the same fell dues till the date of realization, within a period as may be stipulated by this Court. 2.In the affidavit filed in support of this writ petition, it had been stated that the petitioner was initially appointed as a Lecturer on 20.04.1994 and was subsequently promoted to the post of Senior Scale Lecturer, then to Reader, and later to Professor. He retired from service on 30.06.2019 upon attaining the age of superannuation.

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3.The first respondent claimed that, due to a financial crisis, they were not in a position to settle the petitioner's full retiral benefits at the time of the petitioner's retirement. However, nearly 6 years have passed and the petitioner has still not received his full retiral benefits. This delay has necessitated the petitioner to file the present writ petition. 4.The learned counsel appearing for the first respondent submits that the first respondent will make every effort to pay the retiral benefits due to the petitioner within a period of three months.

5.Accordingly, a direction is issued to the first respondent to pay the retiral benefits due to the petitioner within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It would also be appropriate for the first respondent to pay interest on the outstanding amount. Therefore, the first respondent is directed to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the retiral benefits from the date they became due until the date of actual disbursement. 3/5

6.The writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 12-11-2025 shr Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To 1.The Annamalai University Rep. By Its Registrar, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore District.608 002.

2.The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. By Its Secretary, Higher Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 600 009.

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G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN J.

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