Petitioner was a Village Officer. He retired from service on superannuation on 30-4-1991. On 29-4-1991, he, along with four others, was placed under suspension on the allegation that they demanded Rs.400/- from one Mr. Lineshah, S/o. Pushkaran for taking steps to conduct 'Pokku Varavu'. Petitioner was not given his retirement benefits. So, he has moved this Original Petition inter alia praying for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing respondents to sanction and disburse provisional pension pending criminal prosecution and also the gratuity amount due to him.

2. Along with the Original petition, petitioner moved C.M.P. 15676/1991. On 21-2-1992, this Court ordered:-

"Statement dated 16-1-1992 is silent about the disbursement of the D.C.R.G. due to the petitioner. By order dated 6-1-92, respondents were directed to file statement showing reason why the retirement benefits should not carry interest at the rate of 18% per annum. No justifiable reason has been given for withholding the amount covered by D.C.R.G. Since the statement is silent about that aspect, I order that the amount of D.C.R.O. will carry interest at 18% per annum till date of payment".

On 17-6-1992, this C