CWP No.15023 of 2009 - 1 – HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP No.15023 of 2009 (O&M) Date of Decision: 25.09.2009 **** Kalia . . . . Petitioner VS. State of Punjab and others . . . . . 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. Peeush Gagneja, Advocate for the petitioner ***** SURYA KANT J. (ORAL) In this writ petition, the petitioner, who has retired as a Safai Sewak from the Municipal Council, Abohar, District Ferozepur, seeks a direction for the release of his retiral benefits including pension etc. It is averred that the petitioner retired from service on attaining the age of superannuation on 31st January, 2007 and is fully eligible for retiral benefits including pension etc. It is alleged that no action is taken by the respondents for the grant of retiral benefits and pension etc. to the petitioner, despite several representations including the one dated 22.08.2009 (Annexure P2). Having heard learned counsel for the petitioner and considering the nature of relief sought, I am of the considered view that the respondents are obligated to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s claim for retiral benefits. It is apparent from the letter dated 13.01.2008 (Annexure P1) that the petitioner retired from service on 31.01.2007 on attaining superannuation at the age of 60 years. Prima facie, it appears that the petitioner’s claim for retiral benefits CWP No.15023 of 2009 - 2 – deserves consideration and the due amount, if found, deserves to be released by the respondents. Consequently, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents to consider the claim of the petitioner regarding retiral benefits including pension and dispose of the same by passing a speaking order within 3 months from the date of receipt of the certified copy of this order. In case the petitioner is found entitled to certain benefits including pension, the same shall be released to him within 2 months thereafter. The petitioner shall also be entitled to the interest on all the retiral benefits, if otherwise found entitled to, at the rate of 9 % per annum. Dasti. (SURYA KANT) JUDGE 25.09.2009 shonkar