V.Ilangovan v. The Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH W.P.(MD) No.16529 of 2025 V.Ilangovan : Petitioner Vs.

1. The Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited, Rep by its Managing Director, Kumbakonam.

2. The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited, Trichy Region, Trichy - 620 001.

3. The Chief Financial Advisor, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited Kumbakonam 612 001.

4. The Administrator, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Retired Employees Pension Trust, No.2, Thiruvalluvar Illam, SETC Head Office, Pallavan Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

: Respondents P RAYER:

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to pay the interest at the rate of 18 percent per annum for the belated payment of 1/6

retirement benefits including Gratuity, Provident Fund, Earned Leave encashment amount and Commutation within the time limit that may be fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.Siva Raman For Respondents : Mr.K.Ramaiah

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to pay the interest at the rate of 18 percent per annum for the belated payment of retirement benefits including Gratuity, Provident Fund, Earned Leave encashment amount and Commutation within the time limit that may be fixed by this Court.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel, appearing on behalf of the respondents. 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 Helper in the respondent Corporation on 04.06.1994 and he retired from service on 31.10.2019.. 2/6

The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner's terminal benefits were 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. 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.Murugan Vs. 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 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, 3/6

within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.

19.06.2025 Index : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No Sm 4/6

To:-

1. The Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited, Rep by its Managing Director, Kumbakonam.

2. The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited, Trichy Region, Trichy - 620 001.

3. The Chief Financial Advisor, Tamil Nadu Stat Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited Kumbakonam 612 001.

4. The Administrator, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Retired Employees Pension Trust, No.2, Thiruvalluvar Illam, SETC Head Office, Pallavan Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

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VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.

Sm W.P.(MD) No.16529 of 2025 (5/5) 19.06.2025 6/6