PUNAM GULTATI Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of the instant writ petition, under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner seeks quashing of the order dated 07.03.2013 (Annexure P-6), whereby, the claim of the petitioner regarding interest on the delayed payment of retiral benefits was declined and for issue of a direction to the respondents to grant interest @ 18% p.a., on the delayed payment of retiral benefits. It is contended that the petitioner joined as S.S. Mistress on 18.05.1976 and after attaining the age of superannuation, she retired on 28.08.2007. Prior to the retirement of the petitioner, the Department reduced her pay, whereby the earlier benefit given to her, in view of the order of this Court for stepping up of her pay equivalent to her junior, was withdrawn and recovery was ordered. The petitioner had challenged the action of the department by filing CWP No. 3037 of 2007, which was disposed of on 27.08.2008. In response to the order dated 27.08.2008, the benefit of stepping up of her pay was restored and she had been paid the retiral benefits in the month year 2010 and 2011, after a delay of more than three years.

(2.) The learned counsel cites Kuldip Rai v. State of Punjab and others in CWP No. 23143 of 2012 of this Court.

(3.) On the other hand, the learned State counsel, submits that the delay occurred on account of late submission of requisite documents by the petitioner. The retiral benefits have been released to the petitioner in time after the receipt of sanction from the competent authority.