CWP No.20185 of 2009.doc - 1 – HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP No.20185 of 2009 (O&M) Date of Decision: 25.01.2011 **** Darshan Singh . . . . Petitioner VS. Punjab State Electricity Board & Anr. . . . . Respondents **** CORAM : HON’BLE MR.JUSTICE SURYA KANT **** 1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the Reporters or not? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? **** Present: Mr. HPS Ishar, Advocate for the petitioner Mr. JS Mehndiratta, Advocate for the respondents **** SURYA KANT J. (ORAL) (1). The petitioner served the respondents as a Driver from 1977 till he retired on attaining the age of superannuation upto 31.07.2002. A major part of the retiral dues was admittedly paid to him in the year 2009. (2). The respondents have justified the delay in the release of retiral dues on the plea that the Service Book of the petitioner was incomplete. (3). In my considered view the delay caused due to non- completion of the Service Book cannot be attributed to the petitioner as it was for the authorities of the respondent-Board to update the same timely and release CWP No.20185 of 2009.doc - 2 – the retiral dues immediately on the petitioner’s retirement within a reasonable period. (4). The respondents are undoubtedly liable to compensate the petitioner with interest for the inordinate delay. (5). The writ petition is accordingly allowed to the extent that the respondents are directed to pay interest to the petitioner @ 6% per annum w.e.f. 01.11.2002 till the date of actual payments. The arrears of interest shall be paid within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. (6). Ordered accordingly. Dasti. 25.01.2011 vishal shonkar (S u r y a K a n t) Judge