CWP No.14974 of 2010.doc - 1 – HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP No.14974 of 2010 (O&M) Date of Decision: 08.04.2011 **** Babu Ram . . . . Petitioner VS. State of Punjab & Ors. . . . . 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. Surinder Garg, Advocate for the petitioner Ms. Monica Chhibber Sharma, DAG Punjab Mr. Rajiv Joshi, Advocate for respondent No.4 **** SURYA KANT J. (ORAL) (1). The petitioner retired from the post of Electrician from the Municipal Council, Fazilka w.e.f. 31.01.2009. The delay in the release of his retiral dues has compelled him to approach this Court. (2). The respondents have filed the reply/affidavit of the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council today, inter alia explaining that all the payments have since been paid to the petitioner as per the details mentioned therein. CWP No.14974 of 2010.doc - 2 – (3). A perusal of the affidavit shows that except two cheques rest of the payments have been made to the petitioner on different dates in the year 2010 only. (4). Though it is vehemently contended by learned counsel for Municipality that the petitioner is not entitled to seek any interest as there was no deliberate or willful delay on the part of the respondents, nevertheless it appears to me that there is a delay in payments and it cannot be attributed to the petitioner, who is certainly entitled to be compensated with interest @ 7% w.e.f. 01.05.2009 till the actual payment of the dues. (5). Ordered accordingly. (6). The writ petition is accordingly disposed of with a direction to the respondents to pay arrears of interest to the petitioner within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. (7). Dasti . 08.04.2011 vishal shonkar (S u r y a K a n t) Judge