JUDGMENT/ORDER

1. Rule. With the consent of the learned Counsel for the parties, Rule is made returnable forthwith and called out for hearing.

2. This Petition is filed by The Maharashtra State CoOperative Adivashi Vikas Mahamandal Maryadit challenging the Judgment and Order dtd. 02/01/2020 passed by the Controlling Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 ('Gratuity Act') directing payment of gratuity of Rs.2,11,390.00 along with interest to the Respondent -employee. The Petitioner has unsuccessfully tested the Controlling Authority's decision before the Appellate Authority which has proceeded to reject the Appeal filed by its Judgment and Order dtd. 30/07/2022, which is also subject-matter of challenge in the present Petition.

3. Facts of the case are that the Respondent was employed in the office of Petitioner with effect from 13/07/1976. He tendered his resignation on 14/12/1988. For having completed 12 years of service, the Respondent was paid gratuity commensurate to the number of years of service put in by him. The Respondent was reemployed by the Petitioner again on 21/09/1994 and on attaining the age of 60 years, he retired from service on 31/08/2012.

4. While paying