Ramlakhan Harijan v. Eastern Coalfields Limited And ORS.

26.11.2025 Ct. No. 2 adeb W.P.A. 24926 of 2025 Shri Ramlakhan Harijan Vs.

Eastern Coalfields Limited & Ors.

Mr. Shamik Chatterjee Mr. Aditya Bikram Mahata Mr. Sahil Kabir Ms. Jayita Das ...for the Petitioner Mr. Kallol Guhu Thakurata Md. Wasim Rahaman ...for the respondent no. 10 Ms. Tanushree Dasgupta Ms. Aishwarya Choudhury ...for the Eastern Coalfields

1. In terms of the order dated 21st November, 2025 matter is taken up for consideration today when learned advocate representing Assistant Commissioner-1, Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation submits that Rs.

78,516/- was credited to the account of the petitioner towards provident fund due on 21st November, 2025. It is also submitted that the aforesaid sum includes principal as well as interest since the principal sum was kept in an interest bearing account. However, it is not disclosed today that what is principal sum and

the amount which was paid to the petitioner towards interest.

2. From the facts involved in this writ petition it appears that petitioner retired on superannuation on 30th June, 2023 but part of provident fund was paid on 21st November, 2025 as such there is considerable delay in releasing provident fund dues. Petitioner prays for direction to release interest on delayed payment of provident fund dues.

3. It is submitted on behalf of Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation that delay is attributable to concerned colliery as the documents were forwarded to Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation belatedly causing delay in releasing provident fund dues.

4. In view of aforesaid submissions made on behalf of the parties it is indisputable that there was considerable delay in paying part of provident fund dues in favour of the petitioner as the petitioner retired on 30th June, 2023 and last payment was made towards provident fund dues on 21st November, 2025.

5. In view of aforesaid situation concerned authority of Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation is directed to pay interest @8% per annum on the principal amount which

was paid on 21st November, 2025 for the period from 1st July, 2023 till 20th November, 2025 by 8 (eight) weeks from the date of communication of this order.

6. However, respondent no. 10 shall be at liberty to fix the responsibility for causing delay in releasing provident fund dues in favour of the petitioner and if it is found that delay is attributable to the concerned colliery respondent no. 10 shall be at leave to recover the interest amount from the said colliery.

7. Writ petition stands disposed of.

8. Urgent photostat certified copy of the order, if applied for, be given to the parties, upon usual undertakings.

(Saugata Bhattacharyya, J.)