Jai Bhagwan vs Commissioner & Others

L. Narasimha Reddy, J

The applicant retired from service of the respondents on 31.11.2017. When his pension was not released, he filed OA.No.1486 of 2019. That was disposed of on 20.05.2019 directing the respondents to consider the claim of the applicant as presented in the legal notice. The respondents have promptly released the retirement benefits on 26.08.2019. This OA is filed with a prayer to direct the respondents to pay interest at 20% per annum on the amounts of commutation, gratuity and on the excess amounts deducted from the pension.

The applicant contends that on account of the delay on the part of the respondents, he suffered monetary loss and he is entitled to be paid interest. It is also stated that the respondents ought to have released the retirement benefits, immediately after retirement.

We heard Mr.J.S.Arya, learned counsel for the Applicant and Mr.R.V.Sinha, learned counsel for the Respondents.

The applicant retired from service on 30.11.2017. Assuming that there was delay in releasing the retirement benefits, it is evident that he filed OA.No.1486 of 2019. That was disposed of by directing the respondents to consider the claim of the applicant. Promptly enough, the respondents have released the amounts on 26.08.2019. No direction was issued by this Tribunal in OA.No.1486 of 2019 for payment of interest. Recently, we find that the respondent-Corporation is under financial stress and it is unable to pay even the regular salaries. Number of Writ Petitions were pending before the Hon'ble High Court in this behalf. Out of sheer respect for the orders of this Tribunal and to the claim of the applicant, all the amounts were released. The applicant is claiming interest at the rate of 20% and no basis indicated therefor.

We do not find any merit in the OA and the same is accordingly dismissed. No order as to costs.