UNION OF INDIA vs MANIK LAL BANERJEE

The Supreme Court held that the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, specifically Section 4, apply to railway employees, including the Respondent, despite being governed by the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 1993. The Court affirmed the Central Administrative Tribunal's order directing the payment of gratuity, emphasizing that the dismissal of a special leave petition does not negate the merits of the case. The Court upheld the High Court's ruling that the Respondent is entitled to gratuity benefits as per the 1972 Act, along with interest from the due date.