Madras High CourtWP(MD)/4952/2016disposed of

Sethupathi Harihara Prakash v. The Managing Director,

2016-03-11Honourable Mrs Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana12 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 11.03.2016 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE PUSHPA SATHYANARAYANA Writ Petition (MD) Nos.4952 to 4974 of 2016 SETHUPATHI HARIHARA PRAKASH ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4952/2016 S. SANKARANARAYANAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4953/2016 S. PANNEERSELVAM ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4954/2016 M. PREMAVATHI ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4955/2016 R. CHINNAKALAI ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4956/2016 A. MALAICHAMY ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4957/2016 M. SIVANESAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4958/2016 P. MUTHUVEL ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4959/2016 M. GANESAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4960/2016 G. MURUGESAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4961/2016 V. CHINNATHAMBI ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4962/2016 M. NATARAJAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4963/2016 SATHYANARAYANAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4964/2016 CHANDRASEKARAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4965/2016 V.

JEYARAMAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4966/2016 G. RAJENDRAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4967/2016 A. XAVIER ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4968/2016 M. RAMDOSS ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4969/2016 M. PALANIYANDI ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4970/2016 G. JEYARAMAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4971/2016 S. SUBRAMANIAN ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4972/2016 R. M.POUNRAJA ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4973/2016 R. RAJA ... PETITIONER in WP(MD) No.4974/2016 -VS- MADURAI LIMITED, BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI-625 016.

2 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4952 of 2016 TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT CORPORATION MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI- 625 016.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LTD., DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL - 624 004.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4953 of 2016 TNSTC MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI- 625 016.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC MADURAI LTD., DINDIGUL REGION DINDIGUL - 624 004.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TNST PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVANSALAI, CHENNAI- 2.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4954 of 2016 KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4955 of 2016 MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI- 625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LTD., DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL - 624 004.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4956 of 2016 TNSTC MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI- 625 016.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC MADURAI LTD., PALANI BRANCH, DINDIGUL - 624 004.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TNST PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVANSALAI, CHENNAI- 2.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4957 of 2016 MADURAI LIMITED, BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI-625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LIMITED, DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL-624 004.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, .. RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4958 of 2016 MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI- 625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LTD., PALANI BRANCH, DINDIGUL - 624 004. 3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMILNADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVAN SALAI, CHENNAI 600 002.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4959 of 2016 TNSTC MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD MADURAI- 625 016.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC MADURAI LTD., DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL - 624 004.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TNST PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVANSALAI, CHENNAI- 2.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4960 of 2016

MADURAI LIMITED, BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI-625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LIMITED, DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL-624 004. 3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4961 of 2016 KUMBAKONAM LTD., 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM 612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LTD., KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM 612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVAN SALAI, CHENNAI 600 002.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4962 of 2016 TNSTC KUMBAKONAM LTD., 27, NEW RAILWAY STAION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM- 612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC KUMBAKONAM LTD., KUMBAKONAM REGION , KUMBAKIONAM- 612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TNSTC EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND TRUST, CHENNAI- 2. ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4963 of 2016 KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, ... RESPONDENT in WP(MD) No.4964 of 2016 KUMBAKONAM LTD., 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM 612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LTD., KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM 612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVAN SALAI, CHENNAI 600 002.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4965 of 2016 TNSTC KUMBAKONAM LTD., 27, NEW RAILWAY STAION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM- 612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC KUMBAKONAM LTD., KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKIONAM- 612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TNSTC EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND TRUST, CHENNAI- 2.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4966 of 2016 KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4967 of 2016 MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI 625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LIMITED, DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL 624 004.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4968 of 2016 TNSTC KUMBAKONAM LTD., 27, NEW RAILWAY STAION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM- 612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC KUMBAKONAM LTD., KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKIONAM- 612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TNSTC EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND TRUST, CHENNAI- 2.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4969 of 2016 MADURAI LIMITED, BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI-625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LIMITED, DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL-624 004.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4970 of 2016

MADURAI LTD., BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI 625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LIMITED, DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL 624 004.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4971 of 2016 TNSTC COIMBATORE LTD., 37, METTUPALAYAM ROAD, COIMBATORE- 641 043.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, TNSTC COIMBATORE LTD., ERODE REGION, SENNIMALAI SALAI, ERODE DISTRICT.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4972 of 2016 MADURAI LIMITED, BYE PASS ROAD MADURAI-625 016. 2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LIMITED, DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL-624 004. 3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST, ... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4973 of 2016 KUMBAKONAM LTD., 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM 612 001.

2 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LTD., KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM 612 001.

3 THE ADMINISTRATOR, EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND TRUST, THIRUVALLUVAR ILLAM, PALLAVAN SALAI, CHENNAI 600 002.

... RESPONDENTS in WP(MD) No.4974 of 2016

Prayer in WP(MD) No.4952 of 2016:

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay the retirement benefits with interest to the petitioner in view of the representation dated 25.02.2016.

Prayer in WP(MD) No.4953 of 2016:

Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to pay the retirement benefits with interest to the petitioner in view of the representation dated 23.02.2016. Prayer in WP(MD) No.4956 of 2016:

Prayer in WP(MD) No.4961 of 2016:

Prayer in WP(MD) No.4970 of 2016:

Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pay the retirement benefits with interest to the Petitioner in view of the representation dated 29.02.2016. FOR PETITIONERS : MR.ROYCE IMMANUEL (IN ALL WPs) FOR RESPONDENTS : MR.A.JEYARAM IN WP(MD)Nos.4952 to 4954, 4956 to 4961, 4968, 4970 to 4973/16 FOR RESPONDENTS : M/S.D.SIVARAMAN IN WP(MD)Nos.4955, 4962 to 4967,4969 and 4974/16

ORDER

The prayer in the writ petitions is to direct the respondents to pay retirement benefits with interest to the petitioners. 2.It is stated that though the petitioners were allowed to retire from the service of the respondents, till date the respondent Corporation has not settled the retirement benefits. Hence, the petitioners have given representations to settle the entire terminal benefits along with interest for the belated payment. As there was no response to the said representations, the petitioners have come up with the above writ petitions.

3.When the matter is taken up for hearing, Mr.A.Jeyaram, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents has submitted that the

issue is covered by a judgment, passed by the Honourable Division Bench in W.A.(MD).Nos.383 to 457 of 2015 dated 12.06.2015. He has further submitted that the respondents would consider the request of the petitioners in the light of the judgment passed by the Honourable Division Bench.

4.For ready reference, the judgment passed by the Hon'ble Division Bench in W.A.(MD).Nos.383 to 457 of 2015 dated 12.06.2015 is extracted as follows:- "The learned Additional Advocate General submits that he has obtained written instructions vide letter No.7945/E/2015-2 dated 11.06.2015 that the terminal benefits of the appellants would be settled through twelve equal monthly instalments, carrying interest of 6% p.a. 2.The said statement is thus taken on record and the respondents will be bound by the same, we have to keep in mind the judicial pronouncement of the Honourable Supreme Court in D.D.TEWARI (D) THR. LRS. Vs. UTTAR HARYANA BIJLI VITRAN NIGAM LTD & ORS {2014 (9) SCALE - 78}, wherein it is held that in case of any delay in making the payment of the installments, the interest payable would become 18% p.a., for the delayed period apart from any other remedy which may be available to the appellants for non-compliance of undertaking given to this Court.

3.The installments to be paid from July 2015 and each installment should be paid on or before 7th of each month" 5.Following the judgment of the Hon'ble Division Bench of this Court referred to above, the respondents are directed to pay the amount due to the petitioners in 12 equal installments commencing from 10th April 2016. Further, if there are settlements or awards, the Corporation is obliged to take the same into account while arriving at the figure. It is needless to mention that the entire arrears shall carry interest at the rate of 6% per annum. In case of delay in making installments, the interest payable could be 18% for the delayed period. 6.

The aforesaid direction to settle the terminal benefits would not preclude the workman to question the computation of any of the terminal benefits, if the same is paid lesser than the amount to which, he is entitled to receive. Likewise, if the petitioners have any grievance that they are entitled to interest for the amount already settled, they can agitate the same as per law, if they are entitled to. 7.With the above direction, these writ petitions are disposed of. No costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar /True Copy/ Sub Assistant Registrar

To MADURAI LIMITED, BYE PASS ROAD, MADURAI-625 016.

2 THE ADMINISTRATOR, TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT PENSION FUND TRUST 3 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LTD., DINDIGUL REGION, DINDIGUL - 624 004.

4 THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, 27, NEW RAILWAY STATION ROAD, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

5 THE GENERAL MANAGER, KUMBAKONAM LIMITED, KUMBAKONAM REGION, KUMBAKONAM-612 001.

6 THE GENERAL MANAGER, MADURAI LTD., PALANI BRANCH, DINDIGUL - 624 004.

7 THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, COIMBATORE LTD., 37, METTUPALAYAM ROAD, COIMBATORE- 641 043.

8 THE GENERAL MANAGER, COIMBATORE LTD., ERODE REGION, SENNIMALAI SALAI, ERODE DISTRICT.

+ 23 CC TO M/S.ROYCE IMMANUEL, ADVOCATE IN SR Nos. 13894 to 13900, 13902 to 13916, 13901 + 9 CC TO M/S.D.SIVARAMAN, ADVOCATE IN SR Nos. 13963 to 13971 SMS TE/NGM-SS/AR-I : 31/03/2016 : 12P/41C Writ Petition (MD) Nos.4952 to 4974 of 2016 11.03.2016