Authority: High Court
Order Date: 30 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petition No. WPA 15661 of 2026 filed by Subrata Paul (petitioner) against Coal India Limited & Ors (respondents).
- Counsel for petitioner: Mr. Tushar Sinha, Mr. Prabir Rej, Mr. Pranab Kumar Das; counsel for the State: Ms. Mary Dutta, Mr. Jagannath Chatterjee.
- Multiple attempts at service were made; respondents failed to appear or file any representation despite directions for further service.
- Petitioner, a retired employee of Coal India Limited, joined the service in December 1987 and retired on 31 March 2022.
- He claims interest on his gratuity, which was paid after a delay of approximately 3 years and 11 months.
- Records show a Pension Payment Order was issued and retiral benefits were paid, but the petitioner was subjected to a disciplinary proceeding (details not shown). The disciplinary proceeding has concluded, providing no justification to withhold gratuity.
- Petitioner submitted a representation dated 10 November 2025 seeking interest on the delayed gratuity.
Directions
- Respondent No. 5 is directed to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 10 Nov 2025 by 30 Sept 2026.
- If the petitioner is found eligible, the gratuity (including any interest) must be disbursed within the stipulated timeline.
- The writ petition is hereby disposed of.
- No order as to costs.
- An urgent photostat certified copy of the order may be issued to the parties upon usual undertakings.
Final Outcome
- The court dismisses the writ petition, mandates review of the gratuity claim by the specified date, and orders payment if eligibility is confirmed, with no costs awarded.
Topics: Court Order, Gratuity Payment, Employee Benefits