P V JOSEPH Vs. DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner who is the retired teacher has filed this petition for necessary direction against respondent no. 3 to disburse the gratuity amount with 18% interest. It is also prayed that his pension amount be fixed from December, 2001 with 18% interest. The petitioner also prays for interest on GPF.

(2.) IT is pointed out to the Court, that during the pendency of the petition, the amount of commuted pension has already been paid to the petitioner and now his pension is fixed and he is getting pension regularly. The amount of gratuity is also paid. The learned Counsel for the petitioner Mr. Pangam, therefore, prays that the only question which now arises is in respect of the interest to be paid on delayed payment of pension, gratuity and commutation of pension. The Counsel for the petitioner has, therefore, argued that for delayed payment of pension, gratuity and commutation of pension, Department be directed to pay suitable interest to the petitioner.

(3.) THE petitioner has retired by taking benefit of Voluntary Retirement Scheme on 30/11/2001. Since his retirement dues were not paid, he approached this Court by way of this petition and, as pointed out earlier, the provident fund and gratuity amount has all been paid to the petitioner. The only question which requires to be considered is whether any direction can be given to respondent no. 3 for payment of interest, to the petitioner on the delayed payment.