By consent, the writ petition is taken up for final disposal. Mr.P.Kannankumar, learned Standing counsel for Transport Corporation accepts notice on behalf of the respondents.
2. The petitioner joined the services of the respondent Transport Corporation as a Driver on 19.01.1984 and at the time of retirement on 30.11.2012, he was working as Special Grade Driver and his last drawn salary was Rs.22,334/-. According to the petitioner, though he retired from service, he is yet to be conferred with the benefits of retirement/terminal benefits such as Gratuity, D.A. Arrears and others. In this regard, he has also submitted a representation dated 16.02.2017 to the respondents. Though it was received and acknowledged by the respondents, so far, no orders have been passed. Hence, he came forward to file the present writ petition.
3. Heard the submissions of Mr.P.Kannankumar, learned Standing counsel appearing for the respondents.
4. The Division Bench of this Court in Writ Appeal[MD]No.383 to 457/2015 [K.Rajendran and others Vs. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Madurai Limited rep. by the Managing Director, Madurai-10 and others] has considered the similar issue and by a common judgment dated 12.06.2015, has passed the following order. The learned Additional Advocate General submits that he has obtained written instructions vide letter No.7945/B/2015-2 dated 11/06/2015 that the terminal benefits of the appellants would be settled through twelve equal monthly installments, carrying interest of 6% p.a.
2. The said statement is thus taken on record and the respondents will be bound by the same. We have to keep in mind the judicial pronouncement of the Honourable Supreme Court in D.D.Tewari (D) Thr. Lrs. Vs. Utta Haryana Bujli Vitran Nigam Limited & Ors [2014 (9) SCALE -78] wherein it is held that in case of any delay in making the payment of the installments, the interest payable would become 18% p.a., for the delayed period apart from any other remedy which may be available to the appellants for non-compliance of undertaking given to this Court.
3. The instalments to be paid from July 2015 and each instalments should be paid on or before 7th of each month.
4. The Writ Appeals are disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.
5. In the light of the above facts and circumstances, the 1st respondent is directed to settle the retiral/terminal benefits to the petitioner in twelve equal monthly installments commencing from 1st June 2017 with interest at the rate of 6% per annum and in the event of default, the interest payable will become 18% per annum. The 1st respondent, apart from paying arrears of pension, shall also continue to pay the monthly pension amount to the petitioner in time without any default.
6. The writ petition stands disposed of with the above direction. No costs.
03.03.2017 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No vsi To
1. The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Limited, Vazhuthareddy, Villupuram - 605 602.
2. The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State transport Corporation (Villupuram) Limited Cuddalore Region, Cuddalore - 607 001.
M.SATHYANARAYANAN, J., vsi W.P.No.5420 of 2017 03.03.2017