R.Rajasekaran v. The State Express Transport Corporation (Tamilnadu) Ltd.,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 07.03.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI R.Rajasekaran ... Petitioner Vs.

The State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu) Ltd., Represented by its Managing Director, Pallavan Salai, Chennai.

... 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 settle interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of petitioner's terminal benefits including Provident Fund, Gratuity and Leave Salary from the date of his retirement i.e., 31.01.2021 to 01.12.2022, the date on which the said benefits were settled to him. For Petitioner : Mr.A.Rahul For Respondent : Mr.K.SEnthil Kumar Standing Counsel 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondent to settle interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of petitioner's terminal benefits including Provident Fund, Gratuity and Leave Salary from the date of his retirement i.e., 31.01.2021 to 01.12.2022, the date on which the said benefits were settled to him.

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 03.12.1988 and he retired from service as Selection Grade Senior Driver on 31.01.2021.

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. 07.03.2024 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No gbg To The Managing Director, The State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu) Ltd., Pallavan Salai, Chennai.

3/4

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

gbg 07.03.2024 4/4