Murugan.S v. The Secretary,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 25-11-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE N. MALA Murugan.S S/o.Shankaran, No.5, Manju Nath Street, Murugappan Reddy Road, Ambattur, Chennai-600 053.
Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Secretary, Ministry of Labour (for PF and ESI), Room No.112, Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi.
2.The Central Madras Benefit Fund Limited, CMBF Malligai, P-7, M.M.D.A Colony, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600 106.
Respondent(s) Writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, pleased to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 21.08.2025 and to take action against the 2nd respondent and consequently direct the 2nd respondent settle the terminal benefits of the petitioner with interest 18 % perannum within a reasonable time as fixed by this Court.
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.M.Murali Vinodh For Respondent(s):
M/s.N.K.Nithilavani, Central Government Counsel for R1 1/6
ORDER
Writ petition is filed for a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 21.08.2025, and to take action against the 2nd respondent and consequently direct the 2nd respondent to settle the terminal benefits to the petitioner with 18% interest per annum, within the time frame fixed by this Court.
2. The petitioner joined the 2nd respondent Company, as Office Assistant, on 01.02.1991 and thereafter, earned promotions ultimately being designated as a Manager after completion of 32 years of blemishness of service. Due to ill health, he tendered his resignation on 03.12.2022, with a request to settle his terminal benefits. Though his resignation was accepted, and he was relieved from service, yet the 2nd respondent failed to settle the petitioner's terminal benefits. The petitioner issued a legal notice on 22.07.2023, and pursuant thereof, he was called for a discussion, but to no avail. The petitioner registered a complaint against the 2nd respondent in C.S.R No.321 of 2023, before the Arumbakkam police station. Despite the same, the 2nd respondent did not settle the petitioner's terminal benefits and even the petitioners application before the EPF Authority was not settled by the 2nd respondent. Thereafter the petitioner sent another legal notice seeking settlement of his provident fund benefits. In 2/6
the reply dated 29.10.2024, the 2nd respondent while admitting the liability to pay the EPF benefits, directed the petitioner to withdraw the police complaint as a condition precedent for settling the terminal benefits to the petitioner. Therefore, the petitioner withdrew the police complaint and even thereafter, the 2nd respondent did not settle the terminal and the EPF benefits. The petitioner hence sent a representation to the Directorate of Public Grievances, Government of India, to which he received a reply on 01.09.2025, stating that the representation was forwarded to the 1st respondent. Though the petitioner approached the 1st respondent several times, there was no reply and therefore the petitioner was constrained to file the above writ petition for the aforesaid relief.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that though a larger relief was prayed for in the writ petition, it would suffice, if a direction is issued to the 1st respondent to dispose of the petitioner's representation dated 21.08.2025, within a time frame fixed by this Court.
4. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record. With the consent of both the learned counsels, the main writ petition is taken up for final disposal.
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5. Considering the limited prayer of the learned counsel for the petitioner, now made before this Court, and without expressing any views on merits of the case, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the 1st respondent, to consider the petitioner's representation dated 21.08.2025, on merits and in accordance with law, and pass orders within a period of eight weeks, from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
Writ petition is accordingly disposed of. No costs. dsn/AP 25-11-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes 4/6
To 1.The Secretary, Ministry of Labour (for PF and Esi), Room No.112, Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi.
2.The Central Madras Benefits Fund Ltd., CMBF Malligai, P-7, M.M.D.A Colony, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600 106.
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N.MALA J.
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