IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP No.3812 of 2009 Decided on : 30.11.2010 Sharda Rani ... Petitioner versus State of Punjab & others ... Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURYA KANT Present : Mr. R.K.Samyal, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. A.S.Grewal, Addl. AG, Punjab. Mr. G.S.Attariwala, Advocate for respondent No.4. **** SURYA KANT, J. (1) The instant petition has been filed for issuance of the directions for the release of interest on the delayed payment of gratuity, ex gratia grant, double death gratuity etc. (2) The husband of the petitioner was a Peon in the Municipal Council, Budhlada, District Mansa. He unfortunately passed away on 01.10.1997. The petitioner was entitled to certain retiral/terminal benefits like gratuity, ex gratia grant, double death gratuity and family pension etc. (3) The record reveals that the Gratuity has been paid to her in June, 2003, ex gratia grant in April 2000 and the double death gratuity was released in February, 2007 only. (4) The respondents have filed their reply/affidavit explaining that the petitioner has already been appointed as a Peon on Compassionate grounds by the Municipal Council, Budhlada and that the retiral/pensionary dues have also been paid to her as per rules. (5) Having heard learned counsel for the parties at some CWP No.3812 of 2009 -2- length. I am of the considered view that though the Municipal Council, Budhlada has already shown a good gesture by employing the petitioner on compassionate grounds, however, there has been inordinate delay in the release of some of the dues, for which the petitioner deserves to be compensated with interest. (6) The writ petition is accordingly allowed in part to the extent that the petitioner shall be paid simple interest @ 6% per annum from 01.04.1998 till the actual realization of the dues to her. The arrears of interest shall be paid within a period of six months. (7) Ordered accordingly. (8) Dasti. November 30, 2010 (SURYA KANT) sonia JUDGE