Srikanta Bhui v. The Durgapur Projects Limited And ORS

13.12.2023.

Court No.13 Item No. 11 ap W.P.A. No. 26524 of 2023 Srikanta Bhui

Versus

The Durgapur Projects Limited & Ors.

Mr. Siddhartha Sarkar.

...For the petitioner.

Mr. Anuran Samanta.

...For the DPL.

1. Affidavit-of-service filed in Court today be taken on record.

2. The petitioner superannuated from service on 31st May, 2023. The two of his terminal benefits, namely, leave encashment for 300 days and the principal amount of gratuity of Rs.7,35,417/- have not been paid till date.

3. Counsel for the Durgapur Projects Limited has stated that they are in deep financial crisis and have been taken over by the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

4. It is well settled that delayed payment of terminal benefits creates severe and drastic financial difficulties for an employee as he has no income. It, therefore, should automatically attract interest.

5. In those circumstances, the gratuity and leave encashment amount shall be paid to the petitioner with six per cent interest mandatorily and positively within a period of two months from date. In default of payment within two months as indicated hereinabove,

the rate of interest shall stand increased to ten per cent.

6. With the aforesaid directions, the instant writ petition shall stand disposed of.

7. There will be no order as to costs.

8. All parties are directed to act on a server copy of this order duly downloaded from the official website of this Court.

(Rajasekhar Mantha, J.)