J U D G M E N T

1.Hea.

2.The petitioner is a private college that has filed the present writ petition challenging the oer dated 24.03.2020 passed by the first respondent, the Appellate Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (P.G. Act), in P.G. Appeal No. 136/2017. By the said oer, the Appellate Authority upheld nd the decision of the 2 respondent, the Controlling Authority, rendered in P.G. Case No. 102/2014 dated 15.07.2016, and confirmed that the 3 respondent is entitled to gratuity in the sum of Rs. 1,23,750/-, thereby dismissing the appeal. Notably, the petitioner in its writ prayer has only sought to set aside the oer of the Appellate Authority dated 24.03.2020 and has not challenged the oer of the Controlling Authority. As such, even if the writ petition were allowed as prayed, the oer of the Controlling Authority would continue to remain in force.

3.When the writ petition was listed for admission, this Court, while directing notice to the contesting 3 respondent, passed the following interim oer: –

“In case the 3 respondent withdraws the gratuity amount deposited by the petitioner, such withdrawal will be subject to the final decision of the writ petition.”

4.However,