V.SELVAM Vs. TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is filed for a Mandamus, directing the respondents to settle interest for the belated payment of terminal benefits, such as, Provident Fund, Gratuity, Commuted Value of Pension and Terminal Leave Salary, payable to the petitioner with interest at 6% p.a., within the time frame stipulated by this Court.

(2.) The case of the petitioner is that he served in the respondent Transport Corporation from the year 1987 and he retired from service on 30.06.2018. The terminal benefits of the petitioner, such as, Provident Fund, Gratuity, Commuted Value of Pension and Terminal Leave Salary, were settled belatedly. Since the benefits have been settled belatedly, the respondents are liable to pay interest for the belated payment. Therefore, the petitioner gave a representation dtd. 20.11.2021 to the respondents, but, the same did not evoke any response. Therefore, the petitioner has filed this writ petition for the above said relief.

(3.) Mr.S.Baskaran, learned Standing Counsel, takes notice on behalf of the respondents and fairly admits that in similar writ petitions, this Court has ordered for payment of interest at the rate of 6% p.a. for the belated payment of retirement/terminal benefits and therefore, the petitioner is also entitled for the same relief. However, the learned counsel appearing for the respondents submits that owing to Covid-19 pandemic situation, the Corporation is facing financial difficulties and requested for some time to pay the interest.