Authority: Calcutta High Court (Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra)
Order Date: 28.08.2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioner Shyamal Pore vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors., with West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) as respondent.
- Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition (WPA 22325 of 2026) seeking interest on delayed provident fund (PF) dues.
- Background: The petitioner retired on superannuation from Calcutta Tramways Company (1978) Limited (now West Bengal Transport Corporation Limited) on 31‑01‑2024. While other retirement dues were paid on time, PF dues were released only on 29‑10‑2024, causing a delay.
- Legal Principle: A retired employee has a statutory right to receive retirement dues on the date of superannuation; any delay entitles the employee to interest.
Observations & Reasoning
- The employer (WBTC) failed to disburse PF dues on the due date, constituting a breach of statutory duty.
- The court affirmed that delayed payment warrants simple interest compensation.
Directions
1. The concerned authority of the Corporation must pay the petitioner simple interest at 6% per annum on the PF dues, calculated from the next date of retirement (31‑01‑2024) until actual payment.
2. The interest must be paid within four months from the date of communication of this order.
3. In case of default in paying the stipulated interest, the authority shall instead pay 8% per annum (6% + 2% penalty) on the PF dues.
4. The writ‑petition is disposed of.
5. An urgent photostat certified copy of this order may be supplied to the parties upon compliance with requisite formalities.
Final Outcome
- The petitioner is entitled to interest on delayed PF dues as directed; the case is closed.
Topics: Provident Fund, Interest on Delayed Dues