117 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP-20226-2025 Date of decision: 13.08.2025 Baljinder Singh ....Petitioner Versus Uttar Haryana Bilji Nigam Ltd. and others ...Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR Present: Mr. Mohnish Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Prince Singh, Advocate for respondents No.1 to 7. HARPREET SINGH BRAR, J. (ORAL) The present civil writ petition has been filed under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India for issuance of an appropriate writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to release the amount of gratuity of the petitioner along with 18% market interest which was withheld by the respondents and further for issuance of directions to the respondent department to decide the representation dated 11.02.2025 (Annexure P-5). Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that he would be satisfied in case the present civil writ petition is disposed of by directing the respondents to release an amount of gratuity after deducting the amount in terms of the punishment awarded and liberty be also granted to the petitioner to challenge the order of punishment. Learned counsel for the respondents at the very outset fairly submits that order of punishment has been passed against the petitioner after culmination of the departmental inquiry and three increments without future Neha 2025.08.13 18:50 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CWP-20226-2025 -2- effect has been passed. The petitioner was required to challenge the order passed by the competent authority. In view of the discussion above, the respondents-Nigam is directed to release the amount of gratuity without prejudice to the right of the petitioner to challenge the order of punishment after making deductions in terms of the punishment order within a period of three months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. The present civil writ petition is disposed of accordingly. (HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 13.08.2025 Neha Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No Neha 2025.08.13 18:50 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document