Savitri Devi @ Swatri Devi vs State Of Punjab & Ors.

NAMIT KUMAR J. (Oral)

The present petition has been filed by the petitioner under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to release the remaining amount of Gratuity and Leave Encashment to the petitioner as per the letter dated 18.02.2025 (Annexure P-4) along with interest on delayed payment of service-cum-retirement dues of the petitioner.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that for redressal of her grievances, the petitioner has also served legal notice dated 30.04.2026 (Annexure P-5) to the respondents which is still pending consideration. He further submits that at this stage, the petitioner would be satisfied, if appropriate directions are issued to the respondents to consider and decide the said legal notice, by passing a speaking order, in a time bound manner.

Notice of motion.

Mr. Rohit Ahuja, D.A.G., Punjab accepts notice on behalf of respondents- No.1 & 2. Ms. Prabhjot Kaur, Advocate has put in appearance and accepts notice on behalf of respondent No.3. They have no objection to the innocuous prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties and have gone through the record of the case.

Without going into the merits of the case at this stage, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.3 to consider and decide legal notice dated 30.04.2026 (Annexure P-5) submitted by the petitioner expeditiously, by passing a speaking order after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, preferably within a period of 03 months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. Further, the decision taken thereon shall be conveyed to the petitioner.