JUDGMENT :

ANANDA SEN, J.

1. Heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and the learned counsel for the respondents through Video Conferencing. The lawyers have no objection with regard to the proceeding, which has been held through Video Conferencing today at 10.30 a.m. They have no complain in respect to the audio and video clarity and quality.

2. Petitioner confines his prayer only in respect of payment of interest on the delayed payment of gratuity.

3. It is an admitted case that the petitioner joined service of Allahabad Bank on 12.01.1976 and was dismissed on 14.03.1991. His dismissal order was upheld up to Hon’ble Supreme Court. It is admitted case that the gratuity was paid on 05.03.2010.

4. Counsel for the petitioner submits that the gratuity should have been paid immediately after 14.03.1991, as per the Payment of Gratuity Act, but, the respondents delayed the matter and ultimately paid the same on 05.03.2010, so the petitioner is entitled for interest in terms of Section 7(3-A) of the Payment of Gratuity Act.

5. Mr. P.A.S. Pati, learned counsel appearing for the respondent-Bank submits that the petitioner had moved before different forums, which resulted in delay. He