K K NALINI Vs. ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has approached this Court seeking a direction to the first respondent to pay interest at the prescribed rate for the delay in disbursing her death cum retirement gratuity. This relief has been prayed for by the petitioner hinged on her assertion that she retired on superannuation on 31.03.2011 and that her DCRG was paid only on 16.10.2012, thus there being an inordinate delay of more than one year and seven months. According to the petitioner, this delay was not on account of any reason attributable to her and, therefore, that the respondents are obligated in law to pay interest at the applicable rates.

(2.) I have heard Smt.Preethi Ramakrishnan, the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader on behalf of the respondents.

(3.) I am aware of the submissions of Smt.Preethi Ramakrishnan, which I have already recorded above, that the alleged inordinate delay of 17 months in making payment of the DCRG is a reason that will justify this Court to grant interest as prayed for. However, I notice that there are certain very peculiar circumstances and facts involved in this case, which should alert me before I proceed to pass any further orders in this case.