WP/22921/2026 of K.A.IYYAPPAN Vs The Principal Secretary to Government on 22 September 2026

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- “Directing the respondents to pay interest for the belated payment of Death cum Retirement Gratuity and Encashment of Earned Leave, at the rate of 18 percent per annum form the date of retirement of the petitioner ie.30.09.2022 till the date of payment of benefits within the time frame fixed by this Honble Court.”

2. The case of the petitioners is that he was appointed in the respondent- Corporation on 27.03.1992 and retired from service on 30.09.2022. However, the terminal benefits have been settled to the petitioner on 07.05.2026 but no interest has been paid for the delayed period. Therefore, the petitioner had submitted a representation to the respondent dated 28.05.2026, requesting to pay interest for the delayed period. Since the same was not considered, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondents would fairly submit that they are willing to pay the interest at the

WP No. 22921 of 2026

rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of the eligible and admissible amount.

4. Heard the learned counsel for both sides and perused the materials available on record.

5. In view of the above submission of the learned Government Advocate, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the respondents to pay interest at the rate of 6% per annum for the belated payment of eligible and admissible terminal benefits from the date of retirement till the date of actual disbursal of the terminal benefits of the petitioner within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. In the result, the Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 22-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No SHR

WP No. 22921 of 2026

P.T.ASHA J. SHR To

1. The Principal Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Ex -offiicio Chairman for Tamilnadu for Tamil nadu Tea Plantation corporation,

Orange Grove Road,

WP No. 22921 of 2026 22-06-2026

WP No. 22921 of 2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 22-09-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA WP No. 22921 of 2026 CNR:{HCMA011316972026} K.A.Iyyappan S/o Achuttan, 1/509-1 134C-24, Konnachal and Post, Pandalur Taluk, The Nilgiris District 643 239 ..Petitioner(s) Vs

4. The Principal Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Ex -officio Chairman for Tamilnadu for Tamil nadu Tea Plantation corporation,

OrangeGrove Road,

..Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s): Mr,N.K.Ponraj For Respondent(s): Mr.L.Gokulraj, GA for R.1 to R3

WP No. 22921 of 2026

ORDER

Today, the matter is listed under the caption “for being mentioned.”

2. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Government Advocate pointed out that he had not conceded to the order being passed. His submission appears to be correct, inasmuch as the order that was to be passed in the instant Writ Petition was the order passed in W.P. No. 15875 of 2026. However, by oversight, the order passed in W.P. No. 22843 of 2026 has been incorporated in the instant order, since both matters related to the issue of payment of interest for the belated payment of terminal benefits.

3. The mistake is nothing but a typographical error that occurred while drafting the order. Therefore, in place of paragraphs 3 to 6 of the order dated 22.06.2026, the following paragraphs shall be substituted:- “3. Heard the learned Counsel on either side and perused the materials available on records. “4. Admittedly, the Death cum Retirement Gratuity and Encashment of Earned Leave have been paid belatedly for no fault of the petitioner. Therefore, the petitioner is entitled to interest on the same. Therefore, the Writ petition is

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disposed of by directing the respondents to disburse the 6% interest for belated payment of Death cum Retirement Gratuity and Encashment of Earned Leave, within a period of one (1) month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.”

4. In all other aspects, the earlier order dated 22.06.2026 shall remain unaltered.

5. The Registry is directed to carryout the necessary amendments and issue a fresh order copy. 22-09-2026 SHR

WP No. 22921 of 2026

P.T.ASHA J. SHR To

4. The Principal Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Ex -officio Chairman for Tamilnadu for Tamil nadu Tea Plantation corporation,

OrangeGrove Road,

WP No. 22921 of 2026 22-09-2026