retirement benefits. However, there was no response by the respondents, which prompted the petitioner to submit another representation dated 24.06.2015. The respondents in terms of an official memorandum dated 01.09.2015, the petitioner to pay Rs.93,473/- towards Group Insurance. However, the gratuity and other retirement benefits claimed by the petitioner were not released. The petitioner contends that a statutory duty is cast on the respondent to pay the Gratuity amount to a superannuated officer. However, in terms of an endorsement dated 15.10.2015, the gratuity and the retirement benefits were withheld on the ground that there were four departmental enquiries against the petitioner that were pending before the Lokayukta. The petitioner contends that the respondent held out that action would be taken under the Rule 214 of Karnataka Civil Services Rules, for release of the Gratuity and the retirement benefits after the conclusion of the departmental enquiry. The petitioner now contends that four departmental enquires referred above were concluded and therefore, the respondent is bound to release the withheld Gratuity and retirement benefits.
