Santana Ray v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

32 (ML) 11.06.2026 Ct. No.15 b.das WPA 10578 of 2026 Santana Ray Vs.

The State of W. B. & Ors.

Mr. Banshi Badan Maity...for the petitioner.

Mr. Madhu Jana Ms. Puja Sonkar ...for the State.

Affidavit of service filed by the petitioner is taken on record.

Heard learned counsels for the parties.

The husband of the petitioner was appointed as Panchayat Secretary of Vadura Haridas Gram Panchayat and died in harness on 3rd November, 2020.

Despite completing all pension related formalities within due time the pension payment order was issued by the concerned authority on 7th November, 2023. The gratuity amount and arrear pension were disbursed in favour of the petitioners on 17th January, 2024. The petitioner has prayed for interest on the gratuity amount and arrear pension paid to her due to delay in disbursal of the same.

Upon consideration of the submission made on behalf of the parties and material on record, the Director of Pension, Provident Fund and Group Insurance, Government of West Bengal and the Treasury Officer,

Diamond Harbour, being the 3rd and 4th respondents herein, are directed to pay interest to the petitioner @ 8% per annum on the gratuity and arrear pension amount calculated from 4th November, 2020 till the date of actual payment of the amount. Such payment shall be made within one month from the date of communication of this order.

With the above observation and direction, the writ petition is disposed of.

There shall, however, be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the writ petition are deemed not to have been admitted. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities.

(Suvra Ghosh, J.)