Authority: High Court at Calcutta (Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction)
Order Date: 08 September 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Tulsi Ghosh, widow of a deceased employee of The Durgapur Projects Limited (DLP).
- Respondents: The Durgapur Projects Limited and others.
- The petitioner sought interest on delayed payment of her late husband’s retiral (terminal) benefits, which were not paid promptly after his death on 19 July 2025.
- DLP contended severe financial instability, stating inability to pay regular salaries and need to sell land to meet employee dues, and argued difficulty in paying interest.
Court Findings and Directions
- The Court affirmed settled law that an employee is entitled to receive retiral dues immediately upon retirement/death and that interest is payable on delayed amounts.
- The Court directed Respondents No.2 and No.4 to calculate interest at 6% per annum from 19 July 2025 until actual payment.
- The calculated interest must be paid to the petitioner within six months from the date of communication of this order.
- If the amount is not paid within the stipulated six‑month period, an additional interest of 2% per annum (total 8% per annum) shall accrue and be payable to the petitioner.
Final Outcome
- The writ petition is disposed of with the above interest directions; the respondents are ordered to comply within the specified timelines.
Topics: Retiral Dues, Interest Award, Employment Law