Laxmi Mahankuda v. State Of Odisha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

W.P. (C) No.4640 of 2022 Laxmi Mahankuda ....

Petitioner Mr.Somadarsan Mohanty, Advocate -versusState of Odisha & others ....

Opp.Parties Mr.Y.S.P.Babu, A.G.A.

CORAM:

JUSTICE A.K. MOHAPATRA Order No.

ORDER

23.03.2022 1.

1.

This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical Mode).

2.

Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and the learned Additional Government Advocate.

3.

The present writ application has been filed with a prayer for payment of interest at the rate of 7% per annum for delayed payment of arrear family pension of Rs.2,45,962/- for the period from 01.03.2018 to 15.03.2021.

4., It is submitted by the learned counsel for the Petitioner that the aforesaid due is payable to the Petitioner with effect from 08.05.2015. However, the said amount of Rs.2,45,962/- has been paid to the Petitioner which has been received on 16.03.3021. The claim of interest on such delayed payment is a very sorry state of affair in the Government machinery where the Government machinery takes several years to clear the family pension of a retired employee. In the aforesaid background the Opposite Party No.1,

// 2 // Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department is directed to conduct an enquiry as to whose negligence the delay has taken place and responsibility shall be fixed accordingly. Further the Opposite Party No.1 is directed to pay interest for the delayed payment within a period of two months from the date of production of certified copy of this order.

5.

With the aforesaid observation, the writ application is disposed of.

8.

Issue urgent certified copy of the order as per Rules. RKS ( A.K. Mohapatra) Judge