CWP No.17971 of 2009.doc - 1 – HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP No.17971 of 2009 (O&M) Date of Decision: 16.03.2011 **** Surjit Singh & Anr. . . . . Petitioners VS. Punjab Mandi Board & 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. Vivek Suri, Advocate for the petitioners Mr. PS Dhaliwal, Advocate for the respondents ***** SURYA KANT J. (ORAL) (1). The petitioners retired from the post of Mandi Supervisors-cum-Fee Collectors w.e.f. 31.03.2008 and 31.08.2007, respectively. They have been paid their GPF, Gratuity and Commuted value of pension on different dates in the year 2009. (2). The short question that now survives for consideration is as to whether the petitioners are entitled to claim interest and if so at what rate? The respondents have filed their reply/affidavit explaining the procedural hurdles which led to the delay in the release of some of the retiral dues. It is further explained that the Local CWP No.17971 of 2009.doc - 2 – Fund Examiner raised the objections even though the pension cases of the petitioners were submitted on time. (3). The fact of the matter is that no delay is attributable to the petitioners. They would thus be entitled to claim interest on the delayed payments. Since the General Provident Fund paid to the petitioners was carrying its statutory interest till the date of payment, so no direction for payment of interest thereupon is required to be issued. As regards the Gratuity, the commuted value of pension and the arrears thereof, it is directed that the petitioners shall be entitled to interest @ 7% per annum w.e.f. 1st July, 2008 and 1st December 2007, respectively till the actual date of realisation. The arrears of interest shall be paid within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. (4). Ordered accordingly. Dasti. 16.03.2011 vishal shonkar (S u r y a K a n t) Judge