Authority: Calcutta High Court

Order Date: 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Satinath Basu, retired employee of Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC).
  • Respondents: State of West Bengal & Ors., represented by CSTC.
  • Nature of proceedings: Writ petition seeking payment of pending statutory dues after retirement on 31 August 2025.
  • Allegations: Only 20% of provident fund (PF) dues were paid; gratuity and leave encashment were received after a delay.
  • Claims: Balance PF dues, interest on delayed PF, gratuity and leave encashment.

Court Observations & Directions

  • Statutory dues (PF, gratuity, leave encashment) must be paid immediately upon retirement or soon thereafter.
  • The petitioner retired on 31 August 2025 and his dues remain unpaid.
  • The Managing Director of CSTC is directed to release the balance PF dues within twelve (12) weeks from the date of communication of this order.
  • Interest at a simple rate of six percent (6%) per annum shall be payable on the PF amount from the day after retirement (1 September 2025) until actual payment.
  • The same 6% interest applies to delayed gratuity and leave encashment.
  • If the amount is not disbursed within the stipulated twelve‑week period, an additional two percent (2%) simple interest shall accrue, making the total interest 8% per annum.
  • No order as to costs.
  • Parties are to act on the server copy of this order downloaded from the official website of the Court.

Final Outcome

  • The writ petition is disposed of with the directive that CSTC must pay the petitioner the balance PF dues, along with applicable interest as specified, within twelve weeks; failure to do so triggers higher interest.

Topics: Provident Fund, Employee Benefits, Court Order