Gopal.K.R v. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd.,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.09.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI K.R.Gopal ... Petitioner Vs.

1.Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd., Represented by its Managing Director, Madurai Division, Madurai-625 016.

2.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd., Dindigul Region, Chettinayakkanpatti Post, Dindigul-624 005.

... 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 pay 6% interest amount of Rs.37,951/- for the belated payment of service surrender leave salary amount of Rs.1,09,158/- from the date of petitioner's retirement i.e., on 31.05.2015 to till the date of actual payment made to him i.e., on 17.03.2021 and all other attendant benefits to him within the stipulated period.

For Petitioner : Mr.A.K.Thangavelu 1/4

For Respondents : Mr.Gladson Michael Rajadurai Standing Counsel

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondents to pay 6% interest amount of Rs.37,951/- for the belated payment of service surrender leave salary amount of Rs.1,09,158/- from the date of petitioner's retirement i.e., on 31.05.2015 to till the date of actual payment made to him i.e., on 17.03.2021 and all other attendant benefits to him within the stipulated period.

2. Heard the learned counsel on either side.

3. The petitioner was employed as Junior Assistant by the respondent corporation on 30.06.1982. He retired from service on 31.05.2015.

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. 2/4

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. 20.09.2023 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes gbg To 1.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd., Madurai Division, Madurai-625 016.

2.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Ltd., Dindigul Region, Chettinayakkanpatti Post, Dindigul-624 005.

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

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