S.Sithalingam v. The State Of Tamilnadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 20-01-2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Sithalingam S/o.Shinnakannu, No.35/1,Selliamman Nagar, Vazhapadi Po and Taluk. Salem District-636 115 Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The State of Tamilnadu Rep by its secretary to Government Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009 2.The Director Tribal welfare Department Chepauk, Chennai-600 005 3.The Project officer, Tribal Welfare Salem District, Salem 4.The Special Tahsildar (ADW) Salem Salem District Respondent(s) PRAYER Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to pass orders on the appeal petition submitted by the petitioner dated 10.11.2025 against the order of punishment passed by the 3rd respondent dated 12.09.2025 and
consequently, to allow the petitioner to continue in service in the post of Middle School Headmaster, Government Tribal Residential Middle school, Aladipatti, Salem District, with all consequential and other attendant service benefits including arrears of salary.
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.S.Nedunchezhiyan For Respondents:
Mr.K.Surendran Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to direct the 1st respondent to pass orders on the appeal petition filed by the petitioner dated 10.11.2025, against the order of punishment passed by the 3rd respondent dated 12.09.2025 and consequently, to allow the petitioner to continue in service in the post of Middle School Headmaster, Government Tribal Residential Middle school, Aladipatti, Salem District, with all consequential and other attendant service benefits including arrears of salary.
2. Mr.K.Surendran, learned Additional Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of the respondents. In view of the consent expressed by the learned counsel on either side, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.
3. The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner was appointed as Secondary Grade Teacher on 01.02.2002 and later, on 21.09.2022, he was posted as Headmaster-cum-Warden in Government Tribal Residential School, Thalvallam. While so, on 25.10.2024, suspension order was issued against the petitioner on the ground of contemplated grave charges and subsequently, he was served with a charge memo dated 10.12.2024. Pursuant to which, the petitioner submitted his explanation on 24.12.2024, and the same was forwarded to the third respondent. Consequently, the petitioner was reinstated into service in revocation of his suspension on 19.02.2025. While so, the fourth respondent himself was appointed as Enquiry Officer, who issued a notice dated 12.02.2025, calling the petitioner for enquiry. Whereupon, the petitioner appeared before him on 21.02.
2025, submitting relevant documents as directed. However, on 06.03.2025, second show cause notice was issued by the third respondent, enclosing the report of the Enquiry Officer dated 04.03.2025, calling for further explanation. Pursuant to which, the petitioner submitted his explanation on 28.07.2025. While so, the third respondent passed the impugned order of punishment dated 12.09.2025, imposing punishment of reversion from the post of Headmaster to the post of B.T.Assistant for five year from 12.09.2025. Challenging the said punishment order, the petitioner preferred an appeal dated 10.11.2025 before the respondents 1 and 2. However, the same has not been considered till date. Therefore, the petitioner has preferred the present Writ Petition.
4. Learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the 2nd respondent to consider the appeal petition of the petitioner dated 10.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.
5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned counsel appearing for the respondent.
6. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 2nd respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal dated 10.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within a period of twelve
(12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties.
7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.
20-01-2026 Anu Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order
To 1.The State of Tamilnadu Rep by its secretary to Government Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009 2.The Director Tribal welfare Department Chepauk, Chennai-600 005 3.The Project officer, Tribal Welfare Salem District, Salem 4.The special Tahsildar (ADW) Salem Salem District
M.DHANDAPANI J.
Anu 20-01-2026