RANVIR SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present Writ Petition is directed against the Order dated 4th August, 2003 of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench in O.A. no.478/2003. By the impugned Order, the learned Tribunal dismissed the Original Application filed by the petitioner herein for grant of interest on alleged delayed payment of gratuity, commuted amount of pension and retirement pension.

(2.) Learned Tribunal rejected the prayers made before it by the petitioner herein on the ground that the respondents were not to be blamed for the so called delay in payment of retiral benefits as the petitioner was himself responsible for the delay in compliance with various formalities.

(3.) We heard the petitioner who appeared in person and the learned counsel for the respondents. The petitioner submitted that he is entitled to interest on the retiral benefits w.e.f. his retirement on 31st January, 2001 or atleast with effect from 28th June, 2002, when the departmental proceedings initiated against him ended with a penalty of 5% reduction in his pension for a period of five years. It was also submitted that the respondents did not send him the papers for completing the formalities at his correct address for which he had written letter dated 20th September, 2002 and the papers were sent to an incorrect address. Petitioner submitted that the pro rata pension was received by him only on 9th July, 2003, when the amounts were credited in his bank account and thus there was a delay of 375 days. It was further submitted that an amount of Rs. 1000/- was deducted illegally from his gratuity and the said amount has not been paid till date. He accordingly submitted that the respondents should be directed to pay Rs.1000/- with interest.