C O M M O N J U D G M E N T\\

Heard.

2.In both writ petitions, the petitioner is the Management. In W.P. No. 25310 of 2021, the petitioner challenges the order dated 24.09.2021 passed by the Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Chennai, whereby the interim applications in P.G.I.A. Nos. 88 and 89 of 2021 in P.G. Case No. 96 of 2019 were dismissed. I.A. No. 88 of 2021, arising from I.A. No. 192 of 2020 in the same P.G. case, sought recall of the earlier order dated 16.12.2019. I.A. No. 89 of 2021, also arising from I.A. No. 192 of 2020, prayed for condonation of delay in filing documents, which had been served on the petitioner on 23.01.2020, with a request that the matter be heard on merits. Both interim applications were filed on 31.03.2021.

3.The contesting respondent in W.P. No. 25310 of 2021 filed an application under the Payment of Gratuity Act before the Controlling Authority (Deputy Commissioner of Labour), seeking payment of gratuity to the tune of Rs.5,56,500/- along with interest at 12% per annum. Believing that there was a delay of 238 days in filing the application, the respondent also filed an interim application seeking condonation of the said delay. In support of this request,