HANUMANT Vs. MANAGEMENT OF NWKRTC

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed by the petitioner seeking a writ of mandamus for a direction to the respondent to pay interest at the rate of 12% per annum on the belated payment of leave encashment benefit as per the request made in the representation dtd. 11/4/2025.

(2.) Petitioner was appointed as driver in the respondent Corporation in the year 1998. After serving the corporation for more than 23 years, he retired from service with effect from 31/5/2021. Immediately after the retirement, the terminal benefits i.e., leave encashment benefit was not paid. The respondent belatedly paid leave encashment benefit by way of cheque dtd. 31/3/2023 after lapse of 22 months and no interest was paid on the said amount. It is contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that as per the Circular No.58 dtd. 9/7/1998, the terminal benefits and all other benefits are required to be paid as on date of retirement itself and the same does not indicate the consequences for non-payment of the said benefits belatedly.

(3.) This being the state of affairs, the petitioner approached the respondent-Corporation requesting for payment of interest for the delayed period with regard to leave encashment benefit. The representation came to be made on the 11/4/2025 claiming interest at the rate of 12% per annum. The representation was served on the respondent, however, no reply was given and no payment was made towards interest on the belated leave encashment benefit. Hence, being aggrieved by the non-payment of interest for the delayed period, petitioner is before this Court.