Pay retirement benefits or give new bus: Retd staff

Justice V Parthiban before whom the plea moved by M Radhakrishnan who retired as a conductor and is yet to get his retirement benefits came up on Monday, issued notice returnable within eight weeks.

Radhakrishnan had submitted that his salary was the only source of income to eke out his livelihood and after retirement he was totally dependent on his pension and other retirement benefits to settle his dues and hold the wedding for both his daughters. But contrary to expectation that the terminal benefits, which worked out to Rs18.21 lakh would be paid on the day of retirement itself; he has only managed to obtain his provident fund so far.

Noting that failure to pay Gratuity on the day of superannuation or within a short time would entail the employer to undergo imprisonment for a term which shall be not be less than six months and extended up to two years, the petitioner said despite his retirement on May 31, 2019 he is yet to be provided with his retirement benefits.

He also submitted that since his representation of June 2 to the Managing Director, TNSTC in person failed to evoke any response, he had no choice but to move the court.