Authority: Calcutta High Court (High Court at Calcutta)

Order Date: 21 September 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Jayanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay alias Jayanta Mukhopadhyay
  • Respondents: The State of West Bengal and others, including West Bengal Transport Corporation Limited (formerly Calcutta Tramways Company (1978) Limited)
  • Writ Petition No.: WPA 24220 of 2026, Court No. 18
  • Nature of Proceeding: Constitutional writ jurisdiction (appellate side) 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 July 2023. While other retirement dues were paid on time, the PF dues were released only on 12 February 2024, causing a delay of over six months.
  • Legal Principle Cited: A retired employee has a statutory right to receive retirement dues on the date of superannuation; any delay entitles the employee to interest.

Court Findings & Directions

1. The employer (WBTC Ltd) failed to disburse PF dues on the due date and therefore is liable to pay interest.

2. The Court directs the concerned authority of the corporation to pay the petitioner simple interest at 6% per annum on the PF dues, calculated from the next date of retirement (i.e., 1 August 2023) until the date of actual payment.

3. The interest must be paid within four months from the date of communication of this order.

4. In case of default in paying the stipulated interest, the corporation shall be liable to pay an additional simple interest of 2% (making the total 8% per annum) on the PF dues.

5. The writ‑petition is disposed of.

6. An urgent photostat certified copy of the order may be supplied to the parties upon compliance with requisite formalities.

Final Outcome

  • West Bengal Transport Corporation Limited is ordered to pay the petitioner simple interest at 6% per annum on the delayed PF amount, with a penalty clause of an extra 2% interest for non‑compliance, and the petition is dismissed.

Topics: Provident Fund, Interest on Delayed Payments, Court Order