Authority: Calcutta High Court
Order Date: 28 August 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioner – Mukul Maji (former Secretary, Ichapur Gram Panchayat); Respondents – State of West Bengal, Director of Pension, Provident Fund and Group Insurance, Government of West Bengal, and Treasury Officer, Durgapur.
- Background: The petitioner retired as Secretary of Ichapur Gram Panchayat on 30 November 2023. Although he completed all pension‑related formalities promptly, the pension payment order was only issued on 27 December 2024. The gratuity amount and arrear pension were subsequently disbursed on 13 January 2025, resulting in a substantial delay.
- Petitioner's Claim: The petitioner sought interest on the delayed gratuity and arrear pension amounts, arguing that the delay caused financial loss.
- Court's Consideration: After hearing counsel for both sides and reviewing the material on record, the court examined the timeline of retirement, issuance of the pension order, and actual payment dates.
Final Outcome
- The Director of Pension, Provident Fund and Group Insurance, Government of West Bengal, and the Treasury Officer, Durgapur, are directed to pay interest to the petitioner at a rate of eight per cent (8%) per annum on the gratuity and arrear pension amount.
- Interest is to be calculated from 1 December 2023 up to the date of actual payment of the amounts.
- The interest amount must be paid within one month from the date of communication of this order.
- No order as to costs was made.
- Since no affidavit was invited, the allegations in the petition are deemed not admitted.
- An urgent certified website copy of the order may be supplied to the parties upon compliance with requisite formalities.
Topics: Pension Delay, Judicial Order