HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE OF ANDHRA PRADESH THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION NO. 17060 OF 2010 Friday, the Thirty First day of December, Two Thousand and Ten Between Smt. B. Sarasamma Petitioner AND The APSRTC, Rep.by its Regional Manager, Kadapa Region, Kadapa District and another Respondents ORAL ORDER: The petitioner, the widow of a Conductor who served in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), seeks payment of Additional Monetary Benefit as per Circular No.111/1985 dated 13.9.1985. The petitioner’s husband died on 2.2.2000. As per the award dated 13.9.2004 passed by the Labour Court, Anantapur, in I.D. No. 46 of 2001, his removal from service under proceedings dated 16.11.1999 was set aside and he was visited with the lesser punishment of deferment of his increment for a period of two years. Taking note of his demise pending the proceedings, the Labour Court directed the APSRTC to pay the retirement benefits of the deceased Conductor to his legal heirs treating him as being in service as on the date of his death. The petitioner appears to have sought compassionate appointment in the service of the APSRTC. As per the letter dated 24.8.2007 issued by the APSRTC addressed to a Member of Parliament, who espoused the petitioner’s case, she was asked to apply for Additional Monetary Benefit in lieu of employment as there were no vacancies available. Pursuant thereto, the petitioner made representations in 2008 and again in 2009. Inaction on the part of the APSRTC constrained her to file the present writ petition. The counter affidavit filed by the APSRTC reflects that the retirement benefits due to the deceased Conductor were settled and paid. However, in so far as the issue of Additional Monetary Benefit is concerned, it is stated that the matter is under process and would be paid as soon as necessary sanctions are obtained. This counter was filed on 30.8.2010. Having itself offered to pay Additional Monetary Benefit in lieu of alternate employment under its letter dated 24.8.2007, it is not open to the APSRTC to protract the matter indefinitely and delay the rightful benefit due to the petitioner in this regard. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of directing the APSRTC to release the Additional Monetary Benefit, as presently obtaining under its revised circulars, to the petitioner within two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No order as to costs. __________________ Justice Sanjay Kumar December 31, 2010 MAS