IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. CWP No. 4443 of 2011 & connected matter. Decided on: July 13, 2011. 1. CWP No. 4443 of 2011 Gopi Ram Vrs. State of H.P. & ors. 2. CWP No. 4444 of 2011 Guro Devi Vrs. State of H.P. & ors. Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph, Chief Justice The Hon’ble Mr. Justice V.K.Sharma, Judge. For the petitioners: For the respondents: Mr. Naresh Kaul, Advocate. Mr. R.K.Bawa, AG, with Mr. J.K. Verma, Dy. AG. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Justice Kurian Joseph, C.J. (Oral) These petitions have been filed with similar set of prayers and one such main prayer, reads as follows: “(i) That the respondents may be directed to release the Gratuity to the petitioner for the continuous daily service rendered w.e.f. July, 1985 till 31.12.1998 (about 13 years) as per provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 in accordance with the law laid down in a case titled Lashkari Ram supra, along with interest @ 12% per annum.” 2. According to the petitioners, the issue regarding entitlement for gratuity is covered by the decision of this Court in State of H.P. vrs. Lashkari Ram in CWP No. 150 of 2004 and followed in many other cases. 3. Learned Deputy Advocate General points out that the factual aspects are to be verified by the competent authority. In case the petitioners are similarly situated, they shall not be discriminated and the matter will be duly considered by the first respondent/competent authority in the light of the judgment, referred to above and appropriate action in accordance with law, by disbursing the eligible benefits by way of gratuity, will be taken within another three months from the date of receipt of the representation(s) alongwith a copy of this judgment and the copy of the judgment, referred to above by the petitioner concerned. 2 4. The Writ Petitions are disposed of, so also the pending application(s), if any. (Justice Kurian Joseph), Chief Justice. July 13, 2011. ( Justice V.K.Sharma ), (karan/vs) Judge.