Devaraju V v. The Managing Director

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH V.Devaraju ... Petitioner -vs1.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (KMB) Ltd., New Railway Station Road, Kumbakonam - 612 001.

2.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (KMB) Ltd., Pudukkottai Region, Thirumayam Road, Pillai Thanneer Panthal, Pudukkottai.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue 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. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Gokul For Respondents : Mr.K.Ramaiah Standing Counsel

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of retirement benefits to the petitioner.

2. The petitioner was appointed as a Junior Assistant in the respondent Corporation on 15.10.1986 and he 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 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 30.06.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (KMB) Ltd., New Railway Station Road, Kumbakonam - 612 001.

2.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (KMB) Ltd., Pudukkottai Region, Thirumayam Road, Pillai Thanneer Panthal, Pudukkottai.

VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.

smn2 30.06.2025