Vijayalakshmi. S v. The Managing Director

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 01.07.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE R.N.MANJULA W.P.(MD) No.14101 of 2024 S.Vijayalakshmi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Managing Director, State Express Transport Corporation (TN) Ltd., Corporate Office, No.2, Thiruvalluvar House, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.

2.The Finance Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer, State Express Transport Corporation (TN) Ltd., Corporate Office No.2, Thiruvalluvar House, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.

...Respondents

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to disburse interest at the rate of 6%^as per court direction for belated payment of terminal benefits like my husband's Gratuity, Provident Fund and Leave Salary of the total amount comes to Rs. 15,90,709/- for a period of more than 22 months from 03.05.2021 to 13.03.2023 by the respondent Corporation to the petitioner. 1/4

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

ORDER

The petitioner, who is the wife of the deceased employee, who died in harness on 03.05.2021, has filed this writ petition seeking a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay 6% interest for the belated payment of terminal benefits.

2. Heard Mr.K.Gokul, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr.K.Senthilkumar, learned Standing Counsel for the respondents.

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

4. As per the submission of the learned counsel for the petitioner, the petitioner's husband's terminal benefits have been settled only on 13.03.2023 with the delay of more than two years. 2/4

5. Since the petitioner is in no way responsible for the delay caused in disbursing the said benefits, the respondent Transport Corporation shall pay interest to the petitioner for the period of delay between 03.05.2021 and 13.03.2023 at the rate of 6% per annum and disburse the same within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

01.07.2024 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No ta To 1.The Managing Director, State Express Transport Corporation (TN) Ltd., Corporate Office, No.2, Thiruvalluvar House, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.

2.The Finance Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer, State Express Transport Corporation (TN) Ltd., Corporate Office No.2, Thiruvalluvar House, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-600 002.

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R.N.MANJULA , J.

ta W.P.(MD)No.14101 of 2024 01.07.2024 4/4