H. GANGAHANUME GOWDA vs KARNATAKA AGRO INDUSTRIES CORP. LTD.

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of entitlement to interest on belated payment of gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, specifically Sections 7 and 8. The Court held that the denial of interest by the High Court, despite finding the appellant entitled to it, was erroneous as the right to interest is statutory. Consequently, the Court ruled in favor of the appellant, emphasizing that the exercise of discretion by the High Court was not justified in light of the statutory provisions.