REKHA PALLI, J.

1. The present batch of four writ petitions impugns identical but separate orders passed by the statutory authorities under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as ‘PG Act’), upholding the claim of the respondents/employees to receive gratuity beyond the ceiling limit prescribed under Section 4(3) of the said Act. Since the petitions raise common issues with similar prayers, they are being decided by a common judgment. However, for the sake of convenience, only the facts of WP(C) No.3385/2018 are being referred to here-in-below.

2. Vide the present petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner inter alia impugns the order dated 31.07.2017 passed by the Controlling Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as ‘PG Act’), whereby the petitioner was directed to pay the respondent a sum of Rs.1,73,75,000/- as gratuity alongwith simple interest at the rate of 10% per annum on the said amount for delayed payment. The petitioner also impugns the order dated 23.03.2018 passed by the Appellate Authority, confirming the aforesaid order dated 31.07.2017 of the Controlling Authority