Authority: High Court at Calcutta (Calcutta High Court)

Order Date: 08.09.

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner Tarak Nath Mitra vs. State of West Bengal, West Bengal Transport Corporation Ltd (WBTC) and others.
  • Nature: Writ petition seeking interest on delayed payment of provident fund, gratuity, leave encashment and other retirement dues.
  • Background: Mitra retired on 30 September 2023; retirement benefits were finally released on 9 April 2024, causing a delay.
  • Allegations: Employer (WBTC) failed to disburse dues on the statutory date, violating the employee’s right to timely payment.
  • Court Reasoning: Retired employee’s right to dues accrues on date of superannuation; delay entitles employee to interest.
  • Directions: WBTC to pay simple interest at 6% per annum on all dues, calculated from the retirement date to actual payment, within four months of this order. If interest is not paid, an additional 2% (total 8%) will apply.

Final Outcome

  • The writ petition is disposed of; WBTC is mandated to comply with the interest payment directions within the stipulated period.

Topics: Retirement Benefits, Interest on Delayed Payments