RANJAN KUMAR DAS Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. S. K. Goswami, learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. P. Sarma, learned Standing Counsel, AFDCL and Mr. R. Borpujari, learned Standing Counsel, Finance Department.

(2.) The challenge made in these writ petitions is to the order dtd. 19/3/2025 issued by the Managing Director of Assam Fishery Development Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as "AFDCL"), whereby it is decided not to release any pensionary benefits to the four retired employees of the Corporation, i.e., the petitioners herein, on the ground of a pending Vigilance and Enforcement Directorate case, as there is a provision for attachment of property and the case is under investigation. The petitioners have prayed for a direction to release their gratuity in terms of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (in short, the "Gratuity Act"), as well as arrear salary for the period from April, 2016 to March, 2020.

(3.) Having considered that these writ petitions involve similar issues on facts and in law, same were heard analogously and are being disposed of by this common judgment and order.