Authority: High Court at Calcutta, Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction (Appellate Side)
Order Date: 08 September 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Swapan Kumar Pal, retired employee of Durgapur Projects Limited (DLP).
- Respondents: Durgapur Projects Limited and others.
- Petition filed under WPA 24071 of 2026 seeking interest on delayed payment of retirement dues, including gratuity and leave encashment.
- Petitioner alleges dues were released after a delay, violating settled law that retirement dues must be paid immediately upon retirement.
- Respondent DLP contended severe financial instability, inability to pay regular salaries, and need to sell land to meet employee dues, arguing difficulty in paying interest.
Final Outcome
- Court directed respondents No. 2 and 4 to calculate and disburse interest to petitioner at 6% per annum from the date of accrual until actual payment.
- Interest amount to be paid within six months from the date of communication of the order.
- If payment is not made within the stipulated period, an additional interest of 2% per annum (total 8% per annum) shall be payable to the petitioner.
- The writ petition is disposed of with these directions.
Topics: Retirement Dues, Interest Obligation, Employee Rights