HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP No.17263 of 2010 (O&M) Date of Decision: 04.07.2011 **** Suraj Paul . . . . 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. VK Shukla, Advocate for the petitioner Ms. Charu Tuli, Sr. DAG Punjab **** SURYA KANT, J. (ORAL) (1). The petitioner seeks a mandamus for counting of service rendered by him on work-charged basis towards the ‘qualifying service’ for the purposes of retiral benefits on his retirement. (2). The respondents have averred that the work-charged service rendered by the petitioner from the year 1975 to 1981 has now been counted and the consequential arrears have been released. (3). The short grievance of the petitioner now left is that he is entitled to be paid interest on the delayed payment. (4). Having heard learned counsel for the parties, I find some substance in the afore-mentioned submission for the CWP No.17263 of 2010.doc - 2 – reason that the Full Bench of this Court way back in Kesar Chand vs. State of Punjab, 1988(2) PLR 223 (FB) had directed the counting of work-charged service towards ‘qualifying service’ for the purpose of retiral benefits. (5). The inordinate delay in the counting of work-charged service towards ‘qualifying service’ has undoubtedly caused prejudice to the petitioner in terms of monetary benefits. (6). The writ petition is accordingly allowed to the extent that the petitioner shall be paid interest @ 7% per annum on those payments which he has received by him after 31st March, 2005 till the actual date of realization. (7). Ordered accordingly. Dasti. 04.07.2011 vishal shonkar (S u r y a K a n t) Judge