JUDGMENT
Mahinder Narain, J.
(1) This contempt petition has been filed by petitioner in whose favor an order was passed by this Court on 22.4 94, giving the direction to the respondents that a separate enquiry be held with respect to the alleged default of the petitioner.
(2) In terms of the aforesaid order, the enquiry proceedings were separated, but the enquiry was not concluded within one month of the communication of the order passed by this Court.
(3) In view of the aforesaid order, the petitioner wrote a letter on 6.1094 to the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, that owing to the delay in conclusion of the enquiry, he shall have to move the Court for contempt of court. Upon receipt of the notice/ letter, an application for extension of time was filed by the respondents. This application was also filed much beyond the period of one month after the receipt of the order of the Court on 16 May, 1994. One month there from expired on 16 June. 1994. The application for extension of time was filed on 7.3.95.
(4) Today in Court, we have been given a copy of the order dated 25.10.95 by which the minor penalty proceedings instituted against the petitioner have been ordered to be closed.
(5) On the facts set out above, it is apparent that the authorities concerned have been absolutely indifferent to the orders passed by this Court that the enquiry against the petitioner should be concluded within one month from the date of the receipt of the order of the Court.
(6) In this view of the matter, we think that some costs should be paid by the respondents. In the facts and circumstances of this case, we think that the costs which are to be paid by the respondents should be in the shape of interest which ought to be paid on the amount of gratuity payable to the petitioner.
(7) The rate of interest normally paid for failure to pay gratuity is ordered at the rate of 18% p.a. In this case, however, since the respondents are in breach of the order of this Court, we order that the interest should be paid at the rate 24% p.a. instead of 18% pa. from 16 June, 1994, till the date of payment.
(8) We direct that the amount of gratuity together with interest at the aforesaid rate be paid to the petitioner within one month from today. The contempt petition is disposed of in terms of the aforesaid order.