ORDER

The petitioner has approached this Court seeking sanction of interest on the belated payment of a sum of Rs.20,19,578/- towards encashment of Earned Leave/Private Affairs for the period from 01.06.2016 to 22.09.2019, and also on a sum of Rs.10,000/- towards the Government’s contribution to the Special Provident Fund for the said period.

2. The petitioner, while serving as Additional Technical Director of Technical Education, was placed under suspension on allegations of misconduct. The petitioner challenged the order of suspension before this Court in W.P. No.20584 of 2016. This Court, by order dated 12.07.2016, observing that the impugned order of suspension dated 31.05.2016 was issued on the eve of the petitioner’s superannuation, directed the first respondent to commence and complete the enquiry proceedings as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of four (4) months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order.

3. Though the petitioner was placed under suspension, he was entitled to encashment of Earned Leave/Private Affairs. Non-payment of the said benefits compelled the petitioner to file