HARPREET SINGH BRAR, J. (Oral)

1. The present writ petition has been filed under Article 226 /227 of the Constitution of India with a prayer for issuance of an appropriate writ, order or directions especially in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to grant/pay interest on delayed payment of retirement benefits i.e. Gratuity and Leave Encashment in view of the judgment rendered by a Full Bench of this Court in “A.S Randhawa, Supdg. Engineer (Retd.) Vs. State of Punjab 1997(3) PLR 6 ” as well as to decide the representation dated 11.07.2023(Annexure P-18) moved by the petitioner

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia contends that the petitioner joined the services of respondent No.4-Board on 14.03.1980 as Junior Engineer and continued to work there till 31.03.1999. On 01.04.1999, the petitioner was absorbed in the Department of Local Bodies-respondent No.3-M.C Bathinda. He ultimately retired from service on 28.02.2019, on attaining the age of superannuation. After his retirement, he received all his retiral dues from the office of respondent No.3-Municipal Corporation, Bathinda except for the payment towards gratuity and leave encashment for the period from 14.