Apurba Koner v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

19.08.2024 Ct. No. 14 Sl. No.16 KB In The High Court at Calcutta Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction Appellate Side W.P.A 6060 of 2024 Apurba Koner -versus- The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Mr. Banshi Badan Maity ...For the Petitioner.

Ms. Diotima Shresthera ... For the State.

Ms. A. G. Gutgutia (VC) ... For the NCTE.

The petitioner is the widow of a deceased primary school teacher who died-in-harness on 17th April, 2020. The Pension Payment Order was issued on 29th September, 2021. It has been submitted that interest ought to be paid on account of delayed payment of the death benefits.

It appears that the teacher concerned died-inharness. The authorities could not have anticipated his death. After the fact of death came to the knowledge of the authority, then steps were taken to process the file for payment of the terminal dues. Had the employee been in service, then the documents pertaining to release of retirement dues were to be submitted at least eighteen months prior to retirement.

In the instant case the death took place on 17th April, 2020 and P.P.O. was issued in September, 2021. There is hardly any delay in issuance of the P.P.O. In view of the above, the prayer of the petitioner seeking interest on delayed payment of the terminal dues cannot be accepted.

The writ petition fails and is hereby dismissed. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order be supplied to the parties, if applied for, as early as possible.

( Amrita Sinha, J.)