Annadurai. P v. The Management Of

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 21.07.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI W.P.(MD)No.17551 of 2023 P.Annadurai ... Petitioner Vs.

The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Ltd., Trichy Region, Represented by its General Manager, Trichy.

... Respondent Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 01.07.22 to 30.05.23, in paying the amounts paid towards his terminal benefits namely EPF Employee's Contribution and Gratuity within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court and without affecting his right to claim balance amounts towards those benefits.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Arunachalam For Respondent : Mr.K.Ramaiah 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondent to pay the petitioner interest at the rate of 6% per annum, for the period of delay from 01.07.22 to 30.05.23, in paying the amounts paid towards his terminal benefits namely EPF Employee's Contribution and Gratuity within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court and without affecting his right to claim balance amounts towards those benefits.

2. Heard the learned counsel on either side.

3. The petitioner was employed as Driver in the respondent corporation on 24.04.1998 and he retired from service on 30.06.2022.

4. It is admitted that his terminal benefits were not settled immediately but only belatedly. The only question that arises for consideration is as regards the rate of interest payable on the belated settlement.

5. The issue raised in this writ petition was already decided by this Court vide order, dated 07.03.2023 in W.P(MD)No.4866 of 2023 (C.Murugan Vs. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Ltd., & Another). 2/4

6. In view of the above, this Writ Petition is disposed of by directing the respondent management to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum for belated settlement of petitioner's terminal benefits. This shall be done within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. 21.07.2023 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No gbg To The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Ltd., Trichy Region, Represented by its General Manager, Trichy.

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

gbg W.P.(MD)No.17551 of 2023 21.07.2023 4/4