Churki Murmu v. Burdwan Municipality And ORS.

38. 17.03.2026.

Court No.03.

(Pritam) WPA 27375 of 2025.

Churki Murmu.

-Vs.- Burdwan Municipality & Ors.

Mr. Partha Sarkar, Mr. Abhijit Basu, Ms. Megha Sarkar.

.....for the petitioner.

Mr. Subhasis Bandyopadhyay.

.....for the municipality.

1. Affidavit-of-service filed in Court today is kept with the records.

2. The instant writ petition has been filed, inter alia, for failure on the part of the respondents in not releasing the retiral dues payable to the deceased husband of the petitioner. The petitioner's husband was an employee of the municipality and had died on the date of his retirement on 10th August, 2022.

3. The respondents had, long therefore, issued a Pension Payment Order (PPO) on 18th August, 2025 in favour of the petitioner and had determined a sum of Rs.6,52,608/- to be payable on account of gratuity.

4. According to the petitioner, notwithstanding the petitioner being entitled to the gratuity, so deteremined

WPA 27375 of 2025 the respondents have not disbursed the same till date. It is also submitted that arrear pension is also due. Although, a representation has also been made on 9th November, 2025, no steps have been taken by the respondents.

5. The municipality is represented.

6. Having heard the learned advocates appearing for the respective parties and noting the PPO has already been issued, I am of the view the municipality cannot be permitted to hold back the same without a just cause, especially when the petitioner's husband has died on 10th August, 2022.

7. Having regard thereto, I direct the municipal authorities to forthwith take steps and dispose of the representation for payment of pensionary benefits within four weeks from date. The municipality is directed to make payment of the admitted amount of gratuity in favour of the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, not later than a period of 2 weeks from the date of communication of this order.

8. The outstanding amount of gratuity shall be paid along with statutory interest @ 10% per annum, calculated from the date when the petitioner's husband died till such time the same is actually paid.

9. With the above observations and directions, the instant writ petition stands disposed of.

WPA 27375 of 2025 10.

Urgent Photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance of all formalities.

(Raja Basu Chowdhury, J.)