Ravichandran M v. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 16.08.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI M.Ravichandran ... Petitioner Vs.

1.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) Ltd., Nagapattinam Region, Nagapattinam.

3.The Administrator, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employee's Pension Fund Trust, Thiruvalluvar Illam, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-02.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to settle interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of petitioner's terminal benefits including Provident Fund, Gratuity, Terminal Leave Salary and commuted value of pension from the date of his retirement i.e 1/5

from 30.06.2022 to 23.05.2023 the date on which the said benefits were settled to him.

For Petitioner : Mr.A.Rahul For R1 & R2 : Mr.K.Ramaiah Standing Counsel For R3 : Mr.S.C.Herold Singh Standing Counsel

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondents to settle interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of petitioner's terminal benefits including Provident Fund, Gratuity, Terminal Leave Salary and commuted value of pension from the date of his retirement i.e from 30.06.2022 to 23.05.2023 the date on which the said benefits were settled to him.

2. Heard the learned counsels on either side.

3. The petitioner was employed as Junior Engineer by the respondent corporation on 22.06.1987. He retired from service on 30.06.2022. 2/5

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).

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. 16.08.2023 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No gbg 3/5

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) Ltd., Nagapattinam Region, Nagapattinam.

3.The Administrator, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employee's Pension Fund Trust, Thiruvalluvar Illam, Pallavan Salai, Chennai-02.

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

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