C.N. RAMACHANDRAN NAIR, J.

1. In these Writ Appeals the appellant Co-operative Banks are challenging judgments of the learned Single Judges directing the appellants to pay gratuity to the respondent employees over and above the gratuity amount receivable by them under the LIC's Group Gratuity cum Life Assurance Policy taken by the appellant Banks covering all the employees.

2. We have heard learned counsel appearing for the appellant Banks and learned counsel appearing for the respondents including the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

3. At our request, concerned executives from the LIC appeared in Court and personally explained the nature of the Group Gratuity cum Life Assurance Policy, which the appellant connected cases Banks have with them for payment of gratuity to their employees. Before proceeding with the matter, we have to refer to the statutory provisions under which the appellants as employers are liable to pay gratuity to their employees on their retirement.

4. Admittedly, employees of all Co-operative Banks are entitled to receive gratuity on their death, resignation or retirement in accordance with the provisions of