MTNL and Union of India challenged CAT orders directing interest at applicable GPF rates on delayed release of retiral benefits to VRS optees, citing COVID-19, funding delays, and a full-and-final-settlement clause. The Delhi High Court found no merit and dismissed the petitions.
This page shows the compact analysis of this judgement. The full analysis — procedural history, issue-by-issue holdings with ratio and obiter, advocates, and paragraph-level evidence for every claim — is being added to the record in batches and will appear here when this judgement has been through it.
$~43 & 44
Date of decision: 02.12.2025
(43)+ W.P.(C) 8192/2025 & CM APPL. 35874/2025
MAHANAGAR TELEPHONE NIGAM LIMITED AND ORS
.....Petitioners
Through: Ms. Sarita Mehta, Adv.
versus
VIMAL KISHORE MISHRA AND ORS .....Respondents Through: None.
(44)+ W.P.(C) 15856/2025 & CM APPL. 64917/2025
UNION OF INDIA AND ORS .....Petitioners
Through: Mr. Ashish K. Dixit, CGSC with Mr. Umar Hashmi & Ms.Iqra Sheikh, Advs.
versus
VIMAL KISHORE MISHRA AND ORS .....Respondents Through: None.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE NAVIN CHAWLA HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MADHU JAIN
NAVIN CHAWLA, J. (ORAL)
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:RENUKA W.P.(C) 8192/2025 & W.P.(C) 15856/2025 NEGI Signing Da te:0 5.12.2025 18:59:04
Page 1 of 3
benefits to the respondents, the petitioners were directed to pay interest on the same on applicable GPF rates.
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:RENUKA W.P.(C) 8192/2025 & W.P.(C) 15856/2025 NEGI Signing Da te:0 5.12.2025 18:59:04
Page 2 of 3
Scheme. COVID-19 did not affect only the petitioners, it equally affected the respondents, who, having served long period of time with the petitioners, had taken voluntarily retirement and were, in our view, more urgent and necessary requirement of funds. Therefore, COVID19 or non-receipt of requisite funds from the Government of India, cannot be a ground to deny timely payment of retiral benefits to the respondents.
“ 8. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
xxx
(viii) The benefits payable under this scheme shall be in full and final settlement of all claims of whatsoever nature, whether arising under the scheme or otherwise.”
NAVIN CHAWLA, J
MADHU JAIN, J
DECEMBER 2, 2025 /ys/k/ik
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:RENUKA W.P.(C) 8192/2025 & W.P.(C) 15856/2025 NEGI Signing Da te:0 5.12.2025 18:59:04
Page 3 of 3
2 issues framed by the court
Whether COVID-19 restrictions and non-receipt of funds from the Government justified delay in releasing retiral benefits.
Whether Clause 8(viii) of the MTNL VRS 2019 barred payment of interest on delayed retiral benefits.
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited and Ors
Union of India and Ors
Vimal Kishore Mishra
Navin Chawla
Madhu Jain
As recorded by the court registry
A petition under Article 226 of the Constitution asking a High Court to issue a writ against the State or a public authority in a civil matter.
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
