Sumathi N v. The Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 27.06.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH N.Sumathi ... Petitioner -vs1.The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Ltd., Represented by its Managing Director, Kumbakonam.
2.The General Manager, The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited, Pudukottai Region, Pudukottai.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to settle the interest at the rate of 6 % per annum for the belated payment of terminal benefits of the petitioner's husband Late.Joseph William, including Provident Fund and Gratuity from the date of his retirement to till the date on which the said benefits were settled to the petitioner.
For Petitioner : Mr.A.Rahul For Respondents : Mr.K.Ramaiah Standing Counsel
ORDER
The instant writ petition has been filed by the wife of a deceased employee of the respondent Transport Corporation, seeking a Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of terminal benefits of her deceased husband.
2. According to the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, the petitioner's husband was employed as a Driver with the respondent Transport Corporation. He attained superannuation on 30.06.2023 and passed away on 14.10.2024. However, his terminal benefits were disbursed to the petitioner only after a delay. Therefore, the petitioner submitted a representation on 28.04.2025, seeking interest for the belated payment. Since there was no response from the respondent authorities, the present writ petition has been filed.
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 resintegra.
4. 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.
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.
There shall be no order as to costs.
NCC : Yes / No 27.06.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Managing Director, The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Ltd., Kumbakonam.
2.The General Manager, The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited, Pudukottai Region, Pudukottai.
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 27.06.2025