121 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP No.16777 of 2026 Date of decision: 26.05.2026 Naresh Chandra Sharma …Petitioner Versus State of Haryana and others …Respondents CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANDEEP MOUDGIL Present :- Mr. Vijay Deep, Advocate for the petitioner. ***** SANDEEP MOUDGIL, J.(Oral) 1. The jurisdiction of this Court has been invoked under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondent authorities to release the service gratuity to the petitioner with interest @ 12% per annum since it has been illegally withheld by the respondent authorities despite the complaints against the petitioner has been enquired and ordered to be filed vide letter dated 02.06.2025 (Annexure P-16) and there was no allegation of any embezzlement of public money. A further direction has also been sought to the respondent authorities to release the service gratuity ACP w.e.f. 01.05.2023 and increment w.e.f. 01.01.2024 to the petitioner forthwith and arrears shall be released with 12% interest per annum from the day it become due till actual realization of the same. SEEMA SHARMA 2026.05.30 12:07 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment CWP No.16777 of 2026 -2- 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that he will be satisfied in case a direction be issued to the respondent/State to decide the legal notice dated 03.02.2026 (Annexure P-17). 3. Notice of motion. 4. Since the official respondents were served with an advance copy of the petition Mr. Deepak Balyan, Addl. AG Haryana, puts an appearance and assures the Court that above-said legal notice will be decided within time bound manner. 5. Without commenting upon the merits of the case, the respondents/Competent Authority are directed to decide the legal notice dated 03.02.2026 (Annexure P-17), after providing an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, by passing a speaking order within a period of eight weeks from today. A copy of the said speaking order shall thereafter be supplied to the petitioner within one week. 6. The petition in the aforesaid terms stands disposed off. (SANDEEP MOUDGIL) 26.05.2026 JUDGE seema Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No SEEMA SHARMA 2026.05.30 12:07 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment