THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.1050 of 2004 ORDER: One Mr.Y.N.Bhushanam was employed as Driver in the Macherla Depot of A.P.S.R.T.C. He died on 05.04.2003, while in service. Claiming to be his wife, the petitioner submitted an application to the respondents with a request to settle the service benefits of Bhushanam. When the papers were being processed, the respondents received a notice from one Sri Y.Srinivasa Rao, who stated that he is the son of the deceased employee, and himself and his sister alone are entitled to claim the benefits. He denied the marriage of the petitioner with his father. The petitioner contends that the matter between herself and other persons mentioned as nominees in the form was settled, and despite the same, the respondents are not releasing the service benefits. The respondents filed a counter-affidavit stating that though the name of the petitioner was mentioned as nominee for Provident Fund, SBT, SRBS and Gratuity, in his F.P.S option form, he named six persons, including the petitioner. It is urged that the settlement said to have arrived at between the petitioner and others does not have any legal sanctity, and unless the petitioner obtains succession certificate, she cannot extend the benefit. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. There is some dispute as to the legal status of the petitioner, vis-à-vis the deceased employee. It is not in dispute that Srinivasa Rao, who is the son of the deceased employee, raised an objection as to the claim made by the petitioner. The so-called settlement between the petitioner and others cannot constitute the basis for the respondents to release the benefits. Across the Bar it is stated that the petitioner has since submitted succession certificate obtained from a competent Court of law. Therefore, the Writ Petition is disposed of, directing that the respondents shall release the death-cum-retirement benefits of late Y.N.Bhushanam, in terms of succession certificate, if any, obtained from a competent Court of law, produced either by the petitioner, or other persons, claiming succession through him. There shall be no order as costs. _____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.09.12.2010. GJ