SATNAM SINGH SAHNI Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A short affidavit in response to the averments made in the writ petition has been filed by the Chief Engineer (North), Punjab Public Works Department (B&R), Patiala. The same is taken on record. Copy thereof has been furnished to the learned counsel for the petitioner. A perusal of the aforestated short affidavit reveals that an amount of Rs.3,43,964/-has been ordered to be released to the petitioner as provisional death cum retirement gratuity. Likewise, another amount of Rs.2,57,990/- has been ordered to be released to the petitioner on account of 300 days of unutilised earned leave.

(2.) In view of the above, the principal amount due to the petitioner in respect of the retiral benefits claimed by him has apparently been sanctioned for release. We hereby direct the respondents to release the same to the petitioner within two weeks. Besides the principal grievance of the petitioner, the petitioner has also raised claim for interest on account of delayed payment of retiral benefits. In this behalf, it is pointed out that the petitioner retired on attaining the age of superannuation on 31.1.2005. Soon after his retirement, a charge sheet was issued to him on 21.4.2005. The comments of the Chief Engineer in connection therewith dated 4.5.2005 by and large exonerated the petitioner. Having considered the comments of the Chief Engineer, by an order dated 17.4.2006 (Annexure R1) the petitioner, after being principally absolved from the charges levelled against him, has been inflicted a minor punishment of censure for his lapses. On the basis of the factual position noticed above, it is the vehement contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that the retiral benefits which were payable to the petitioner on 31.1.2005, have been delayed for over a year and half, without any justification.

(3.) It is not possible for us to accept the aforesaid contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner in so far as interest on delayed payment of retiral benefits is concerned. It is apparent from the factual position noticed in the foregoing paragraph that a departmental proceeding was pending against the petitioner, which culminated only on 17.4.2006 with the infliction of a minor punishment on him. Soon thereafter the remaining retiral benefits have been released to the petitioner. Disposed of in the aforesaid terms.