Umravati Devi vs Union Of India & Ors.

Shri Rajnish Kumar Srivastava, counsel for the applicant, Shri D.S. Shukla, counsel for respondents No. 1 and 5 and Shri Pradeep Kumar Mishra, counsel for the respondents No. 2 to 4 are present and heard.

Counsel for the applicant submitted that the present O.A. has been filed for a direction to the respondents to pay the interest on the delayed payment of pension for the period 24.4.2019 to 30.7.2023 and for the delayed payment of Gratuity for period 24.4.2019 to 13.7.2023 to the applicant in accordance with Rule 65 of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and pensions, Notification dated 20.12.2021 read with Rule 4 of the Office Memorandum dated 24.6.2013 issued by Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and pensions. Counsel for the applicant submitted that the applicant is the wife of deceased employee of Kedar Nath Singh (worked as Telecom Technician) who did not return back from 26.09.2018 and since from 26.09.2018, he is missing. In this regard, the applicant has lodged an F.I.R. on 24.10.2018. In this regard, the applicant informed the respondents’ department on 14.11.2018. Counsel for the applicant submitted that the retiral benefits have been paid to the applicant but with delay hence, interest on delayed payment has to be paid to the applicant. In this regard, the applicant has moved the representation dated 01.08.2023, which is still pending for disposal.

Counsel for the respondents vehemently opposed the contention of applicant’s counsel and submitted that there was no delay in payment of retiral benefits. As the husband of applicant was missing since 26.09.2018, after verification, retiral benefits have been paid.

In view of above submissions of counsel for the parties, I am of the opinion to dispose of the O.A. Accordingly, the competent authority amongst the respondents/respondent No. 3 is directed to consider the representation dated 01.08.2023 of the applicant, in the light of Full Bench Order of this Tribunal dated 30.10.2025 (Before the Principal Bench) in O.A. No. 2821/2023 Rajbir Singh V. Municipal Corporation of Delhi and others as well as in accordance with extant rules, by passing a reasoned and speaking order within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this Order. If the applicant is eligible for payment of interest on delayed payment, she will be entitled for interest at the prevailing GPF rate. The decision so taken on the representation of applicant shall be intimated to her forthwith. With the aforesaid direction, O.A. stands disposed of. All the pending MAs shall be deemed to have been disposed of. No order as to cost.