SURENDRA PRASAD SINGH Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD .

(2.) PETITIONER in this application has prayed for issuance of a direction to the respondents to pay interest on the principal amount on the ground that the payment of the principal amount was delayed by more than 12 years.

(3.) WHEN no decision was taken by the respondents within the stipulated period, the petitioner filed CWJC 1845 of 1996R, followed by CWJC no 3780 of 1997R and CWJC No. 3287 of 2002. When inspite of the orders passed by this Court, directing the respondents to consider the claim of the petitioner and pass an appropriate order within the stipulated period, the respondents did not take action, then the petitioner filed Contempt Case (Civil) No. 170 of 2003. During the pendency of the contempt application, the respondents paid the principal amount of the bill in the year 2004 i.e. after more than 12 years from the due date. The petitioner continued to maintain a grievance on the ground that payment was due and payable to him within one month from the date of submission of the bill, but payment was illegally delayed for more than 12 years and yet, the respondents have not paid interest on the principal amount. When the demand for payment of interest was not acceded the petitioner filed Writ Petition (C ) No. 6615 of 2006. While disposing of the writ petition, this Court directed the petitioner to file a fresh representation before the respondents and with a corresponding direction to the respondents to consider and same and pass an appropriate order.