C.Mahalingam v. The Managing Director

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 09.04.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE Mr.JUSTICE BATTU DEVANAND W.P.(MD)No.10108 of 2025 C.Mahalingam ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Managing Director, Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Madurai) Ltd., Bye Pass road, Madurai.

2.The Administrator, Tamil Nadu State Transport Employees Corporation Pension Fund Trust, Thiruvalluvar Illam, Pallavan Salai, Chennai- 600 002.

... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to

pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 31.05.2023 to 10.03.2025 in paying the amounts paid towards the terminal benefits within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.G.M.Xavier For Respondents : Mr.Gladson Micheal Raja Durai Standing Counsel

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a writ of mandamus directing the the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 31.05.2023 to 10.03.2025 in paying the amounts paid towards the terminal benefits within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court.

2. The petitioner was appointed as Driver in the respondent Corporation on 13.10.1995 and he retired from service as Special Grade Driver on 31.05.2023. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that

the petitioner's terminal benefits was not settled immediately and there is an abnormal delay.

3. In view of the same, the only issue to be considered in this Writ Petition is with regard to interest payable on the belated settlement. This issue was dealt with by this Court on various occasions and this Court passed orders in several Writ Petitions. In fact, the issue involved in this writ petition is no longer res-integra.

4. This Court in W.P(MD)No.4866 of 2023 (C.MuruganVs. the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Ltd., and Another) by order dated 07.03.2023 has decided this issue.

5. Accordingly, by following the order stated supra, this Writ Petition is allowed with the following direction: The respondents shall pay interest to the petitioner at the rate of 6% per annum on the belated payment of the retirement benefits commencing from the date of retirement, till date of actual disbursement, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this

order.

4. No costs.

09.04.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes LR To 1.The Managing Director, Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Madurai) Ltd., Bye Pass road, Madurai.

2.The Administrator, Tamil Nadu State Transport Employees Corporation Pension Fund Trust, Thiruvalluvar Illam, Pallavan Salai, Chennai- 600 002.

BATTU DEVANAND, J.

LR W.P.(MD)No.10108 of 2025 Dated : 09.04.2025