Ashim Kumar Banerjee, J. - (1.) Since both the appeals involve identical question of facts and law, those are disposed of by this common judgment.
(2.) Short question in these appeals is whether the appellant was entitled to withhold and/or deduct gratuity payable to the respondents on account of arrear rent payable by the writ petitioners/respondents in respect of their official accommodation provided by the appellants.
(3.) The writ petitioners/respondents opted for voluntary retirement scheme. Such options exercised by the writ petitioners/respondents were accepted by the appellant company and the retiral dues were paid respectively to the writ petitioners/respondents after deducting a part of the gratuity on account of arrear rent allegedly payable by the writ petitioners/respondents on account of official accommodation provided to them.;