Madras High CourtWP(MD)/12310/2025allowed

J.Seethalakshmi v. The Managing Director

2025-04-28Honourable Mr. Justice Battu Devanand4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.04.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BATTU DEVANAND J.Seethalakshmi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Managing Direcotor, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corpn., (KMB) Ltd., 2.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corpn., (KMB) Ltd., Kumbakonam Region, Kumbakonam - 612 001. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to disburse interest at the rate of 6% for the belated payment of retirement benefits Gratuity, Provident Fund, Leave Salary and Commutation.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Gokul For Respondents : Mr.K.Ramaiah Standing Counsel.

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O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to disburse interest at the rate of 6% for the belated payment of retirement benefits namely Gratuity, Provident Fund, Leave Salary and Commutation.

2. The petitioner was appointed as NIH in the respondent Corporation on 08.08.1997 and she retired from service on 30.04.2023. 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 2/4

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 the date of actual disbursement, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

There shall be no order as to costs.

28.04.2025 NCC:yes/no Index:yes/no Internet:yes/no SN To:

1.The Managing Direcotor, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corpn., (KMB) Ltd., 2.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corpn., (KMB) Ltd., Kumbakonam Region, 3/4

BATTU DEVANAND , J.

SN 28.04.2025 4/4