P.Santhana Kumar v. The General Manager

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH P.Santhana Kumar : Petitioner Vs.

1. The General Manager Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Ltd., Nagarcoil Region, Rani Thottam, Kanniyakumari.

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

: Respondents P RAYER:

Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum, for the period of delay from 01.06.2023 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.K.Ramaiah for R1 Mr.S.C.Herold Singh for R2 1/5

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a writ of mandamus directing the respondent to settle the interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the period of delay from 01.06.2023 to 10.03.2025 in paying the amounts paid towards the terminal benefits, within a time frame.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The petitioner was appointed as a Conductor in the respondent Corporation on 18.09.1997 and he retired from service 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.

4. 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. 2/5

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.

5. 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.

6. Accordingly, by following the order stated supra, this Writ Petition is allowed with the following direction: The respondent 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. No costs.

17.06.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN 3/5

To

1. The General Manager Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Ltd., Nagarcoil Region, Rani Thottam, Kanniyakumari.

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

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VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.

PKN W.P.(MD) No.15779 of 2025 17.06.2025 5/5