HIRANMOY SAHA Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application praying for direction upon the respondent authorities to disburse interest amount @ 18% per annum towards the delayed payment of gratuity and other benefits as per Pension Payment Order dtd. 29/9/2021 from the date of effect of ROPA 2019 till the date of actual payment.

(2.) Affidavit of service filed by the petitioner is taken on record.

(3.) Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits as follows. The petitioner was appointed as Librarian at Sahapur Pragati Pathagar, Sahapur, Malda, he retired on 31/3/2021. But, the first Pension Payment Order was issued by the respondent No. 2 on 29/9/2021. However, arrear pension and gratuity of the petitioner was not released immediately, but on 5/10/2021 which was after the expiry of six months from the date of superannuation. Therefore, he is entitled to receive interest towards the gratuity and arrear pension amount @ 18% per annum till the actual payment. Reliance is placed on orders passed by Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in WPA 22558 of 2022 and WPA 26830 of 2022.