'Gratuity is a reward to employee, can't deny it': Labour court

The labour court in the city stating recently that the gratuity amount is as good as a reward to an employee for his successful completion of service, therefore, it cannot be denied, ordered that the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) pay up the gratuity with interest to a former employee. The application had been filed by a former BEST bus inspector before the Controlling Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act. In their response before the authority, the BEST stated that they did not have the jurisdiction to decide the matter as the undertaking has a private scheme for gratuity for its employees. Date further said that the court could not decide on the matter since it has a private scheme for gratuity for its employees,"That is the reason we oppose privatization. The undertaking of having a private scheme is no defence.