Any due unpaid provisional pension must be paid within one month; delayed-payment interest may be separately claimed.

The applicant, a retired Ammunition Mechanic (HS-II) of the Naval Armament Depot, Aluva, instituted the Original Application concerning release of his pensionary benefits.

During the hearing, he produced Pension Payment Order No. 835202301081 (Annexure A7). Pursuant thereto, an amount of ₹18,43,924 was disbursed to him on 17 August 2026, although the application stated the date as 17 June 2026.

The applicant stated that he was satisfied with receipt of that amount but contended that provisional pension of ₹34,760 for July 2026 remained unpaid. He also claimed interest on the delayed payment of pension and gratuity.

Whether the respondents should be directed to pay the applicant ₹34,760 towards provisional pension for July 2026, if the amount was due and remained unpaid.

Whether the applicant should be permitted to pursue his claim for interest on the delayed payment of pension and gratuity through a representation.

The Tribunal applied the principle that where pensionary dues are found to be payable, the competent authority must release the amount due within a reasonable period and in compliance with the applicable pension-sanction and payment orders.

It further applied the procedural principle that a claim for interest on delayed pensionary benefits may be considered by the competent authority upon a properly submitted representation, subject to a reasoned decision within a prescribed time.

The Tribunal recorded that the applicant had received ₹18,43,924 pursuant to the Pension Payment Order and therefore treated that aspect of the grievance as substantially resolved.

However, since the applicant continued to claim ₹34,760 as provisional pension for July 2026, the Tribunal directed payment of that amount if it was legally due and had not already been disbursed.

In relation to interest, instead of adjudicating the claim directly, the Tribunal granted the applicant liberty to submit a representation, leaving the initial determination to the competent authority.

The applicant was permitted to submit a representation claiming interest on the delayed pension and gratuity within one month. If such representation was filed, the competent authority was directed to pass appropriate orders as expeditiously as possible and, in any event, within two months of its receipt.

The Original Application was closed.

No order as to costs was made.