The complaint of the petitioner in both these writ petitions is that, though they had retired from the service of the 1st respondent on 30.11.2012, they have not been paid their Gratuity amount, till date. Advocate V.E.Abdul Gafoor, who appears for the 1st respondent pleads financial stringency as the reason for the delay. According to him, if four months time is granted, the entire amount of Gratuity will be paid.
2. The counsel for the petitioner in both these cases opposes the contention by pleading that the petitioners have no means to sustain themselves after their retirement. Therefore, according to him, the payment may be expedited or atleast, the 1st respondent may be directed to pay interest on the amount that is retained.
W.P.(C) Nos.13523 & 13582 of 2014 -: 2 :-
3. Having considered the rival contentions, I am satisfied that these writ petitions can be disposed of granting some more time to the 1st respondent to pay the Gratuity amount.
These Writ Petitions are therefore, disposed of granting two months time from today to the 1st respondent to pay the entire Gratuity due to the petitioners. If the amount is not paid within a period of two months from today, the amount shall carry interest at the rate of 12% per annum.
Sd/-
K. SURENDRA MOHAN, JUDGE.
Jvt