23.09.2026 rc/ct.no.15 Item No.25 WPA No. 27058 of 2026 Barnali Shit Versus The State of West Bengal & Ors. Adv. Jonaki Saha ..for the petitioner Adv. Suva Gayen …for the State Affidavit of service filed by the petitioner is taken on record. Heard learned counsels for the parties. The husband of the petitioner was appointed as Panchayat Secretary of Shimulpal Gram Panchayat. The husband of the petitioner died in harness on January 13, 2024 leaving his wife, being the petitioner herein. Despite completing all pension related formalities within due time the pension payment order was issued by the concerned authority on September 05, 2024. The gratuity amount and arrear pension were paid to the petitioner on September 20, 2024. The petitioner has prayed for interest on the gratuity and arrear pension amount due to delay in disbursal of the same. Upon consideration of the submission made on behalf of the parties and material on record, the Director of Pension, Provident Fund and Group Insurance, Government of West Bengal and the Treasury Officer, Jhargram being the 3rd and 4th respondents herein, are directed to pay interest to the petitioner @8% per annum on the gratuity and arrear pension amount calculated from January 14, 2024 till the date of actual payment of the amount. Such payment be made within one month from the date of communication of this order. With the above observation and direction, this writ petition is disposed of. There shall, however, be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the writ petition are deemed not to have been admitted. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities. (Suvra Ghosh,J) 2