IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP No.4358 of 2011 Decided on:- 26.07.2011 Shambhu Dayal Gupta ......Petitioner Versus Chief Administrator, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board .......Respondent CORAM HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE NIRMALJIT KAUR Present: Mr. Narender Hooda, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Ramesh Hooda, Advocate for the respondent. **** NIRMALJIT KAUR, J(Oral) This is a petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondent to release the interest on the retiral benefits i.e Gratuity, leave encashment and commuted leave at the rate of 18% per annum from the date it was due to the petitioner i.e 30.11.2008 till 30.11.2010. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the petitioner retired on 30.11.2008 after attaining the age of superannuation, whereas the retiral benefits were released as late as on 1.9.2010 vide a draft dated 30.11.2010. However, no interest was granted on the delayed payment. Accordingly the petitioner sent a legal notice dated 17.12.2010 Annexure P4, which is still pending. Learned counsel for the respondent prays for time to file reply. However, in view of the fact that legal notice is still pending, the present petition is disposed of with the direction to the respondent to decide the legal notice Annexure P4 as expeditiously as possible preferably within a period of two months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order by passing a speaking order. In case, the petitioner is found entitled to the interest, the same shall be released forthwith. 26.07.2011 ( NIRMALJIT KAUR) mamta JUDGE