119 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP-23716-2025 Date of decision: 18.08.2025 Lali ....Petitioner Versus State of Punjab and others ...Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR Present: Mr. Peeush Gagneja, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Vikas Arora, DAG, Punjab. Mr. Vikram Preet Arora, Advocate for the respondents-M.C. HARPREET SINGH BRAR, J. (ORAL) 1. The present civil writ petition has been filed under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondent-Department to release the remaining service-cum-retirement dues of the petitioner along with interest @ 18%. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that he would be satisfied if the legal notice (Annexure P-3) of the petitioner is decided by the respondents by passing a speaking order in a time bound manner. 3. Learned State counsel, appearing on advanced notice, submits that he has no objection in case a direction is issued to the respondents for time- bound consideration and decision of the legal notice of the petitioner by passing a speaking order. 4. Therefore, in view of the limited prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner, the respondents are directed to consider the legal notice (Annexure P-3) of the petitioner and pass a speaking order, after affording her Neha 2025.08.19 13:42 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CWP-23716-2025 -2- an opportunity to be heard, within a period of 03 months from the date of receiving a certified copy of this order. Further, the decision taken thereof shall be conveyed to the petitioner. Needless to say, if the petitioner is found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be granted forthwith by the respondents. 5. In case, there is no disciplinary proceeding or embargo in releasing the retiral dues to the petitioner, the petitioner would be entitled to interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum in terms of the judgment rendered by a Full Bench of this Court in A.J. Randhawa Supg. Engineer (Retd.) vs. State of Punjab 1998 (1) SCT 343. 6. Disposed of, accordingly. (HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 18.08.2025 Neha Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No Neha 2025.08.19 13:42 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document