COMMISSIONER ERODE MUNICIPALITY Vs. APPELLATE AUTHORITY UNDER THE PAYMENT OF GRATUITY ACT AND JOINT COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner is the Erode Municipality, represented by its Commissioner. THEy filed these 5 writ petitions, challenging the order of the Appellate Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, in P.G.A.Nos.14 to 18 of 2000 and P.G.A.Nos.22 to 26 of 2000. THE Appellate Authority, namely, the first respondent by his common order dated 21.01.2002 confirmed the order of the second respondent Controlling Authority made in various gratuity applications.

(2.) THE writ petitions were admitted on 23.06.2005. Pending the writ petitions, this Court granted an interim stay on the finding that the entire amount as awarded are in deposit with the second respondent.

(3.) IT is necessary to refer to Section 14 of the Payment of Gratuity Act, which is as follows:-