Madras High CourtWP(MD)/5026/2024disposed of

N.Ilavarasan v. The Management Of

2024-03-04Honourable Mrs Justice L.Victoria Gowri4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 04.03.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI N.Ilavarasan ... Petitioner Vs The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation(Kumbakonam) Ltd., Pudukottai Region, Represented by its Managing Director, Pudukottai.

... Respondent Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 01.05.2020 to 01.06.2021, in paying the amounts paid towards his terminal benefits namely EPF Employee's Contribution, Gratuity, and Encashment of leaves within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court and without affecting his right to claim balance amounts towards those benefits. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Arunachalam For Respondent : Mr.K.Jegadeesh Balan Standing Counsel 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 01.05.2020 to 01.06.2021, in paying the amounts paid towards his terminal benefits namely EPF Employee's Contribution, Gratuity, and Encashment of leaves within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court and without affecting his right to claim balance amounts towards those benefits.

2. By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

3. The petitioner was employed as Driver in the respondent corporation on 15.11.1996 and he retired from service as Special Grade Driver on 30.04.2020.

4. It is admitted that his terminal benefits were not settled immediately but only belatedly. The only question that arises for consideration is as regards the rate of interest payable on the belated settlement. 2/4

5. The issue raised in this writ petition was already decided by this Court vide order, dated 07.03.2023 in W.P(MD)No.4866 of 2023 (C.Murugan Vs. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Ltd., & Another).

6. In view of the above, this Writ Petition is disposed of by directing the respondent management to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum for belated settlement of petitioner's terminal benefits. This shall be done within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. 04.03.2024 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No gbg To The Managing Director, The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation(Kumbakonam) Ltd., Pudukottai Region, Pudukottai.

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

gbg 04.03.2024 4/4