Vikram Singh vs Himachal Road Transport Corporation

Mohammad Rafiq, CJ

Learned counsel for the petitioners argued that the controversy raised in these matters is squarely covered by a batch decision of this Court dated 17.7.2014 in CWP No. 3050 of 2014, titled Nek Ram vs. State of H.P. & Others, by which the respondent-Corporation was directed to release all the pensionery/retiral benefits to the petitioners and all similarly situated persons within a period of three months together with interest @ 9% per annum from the due date.

Learned counsel for the respondent-Corporation has submitted that subsequently, when the similar matters came up before a Division Bench of this Court in CWP No. 4377 of 2021 and connected matters, the Court, looking into the facts of the case, directed the respondent-Corporation to pay the retiral benefits to the petitioners in those cases, within a period of six months from the date of judgment and further directed that in case the retiral benefits are not paid to the petitioners within the aforesaid time, then in addition to the due statutory benefits, the petitioners shall also be paid interest at the rate of 9% per annum beyond the period of six months till the date of payment.

In view of the aforesaid facts and circumstances, the writ petitions are disposed of with a direction to the respondent-corporation to pay all retiral benefits to the petitioners within a period of six months from today. In case such retiral dues are not paid within a period of six months, the respondent-Corporation shall be under obligation to pay interest at the rate of 9% per annum on the entire amount of the retiral dues beyond the period of six months till the date of actual payment. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of.