Settu v. The Cheif Engineer
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 10.02.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Settu .. Petitioner Vs.
1.The Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department and Public Works Department Chennai.
2.Executive Engineer Central Pennaiyaru Drainland Zone Tiruvannamalai.
3.Assistant Executive Engineer Water Resource Department Sathanur Dam Sub-Division Sathanur Dam Thiruvannamalai.
.. Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd Respondent to dispose the Petitioner's representation dated 24.11.2025 in a time bound manner.
For petitioner : Mr.A.K.Rajaraman For Respondents : Mr.J.Ravindran, Addl.Advocate General Assisted by Mr.P.Balathandayutham, Special Government Pleader
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to 2nd Respondent to dispose the Petitioner's representation dated 24.11.2025 within the reasonable time.
2. Mr.J.Ravindran, learned Additional Advocate General takes notice on behalf of the respondents.
3. The petitioner, aged about 57 years is working as a Helper in the Water Resources Department (TNESS) at Sathanur Dam, Tiruvannamalai. He was placed under Suspension by proceedings dated 30.09.2024 issued by the 1st respondent, based on a complaint lodged by his neighbour alleging that the petitioner had attempted to molest her. Pursuant to the said complaint, an FIR was registered, leading to the arrest of the petitioner. He was subsequently released on bail on 04.10.2024.
4. It is the case of the petitioner that he had earlier approached this Court by filing a Writ Petition challenging the order of suspension. The said Writ Petition was dismissed and the appeal preferred against the said dismissal also ended in acquittal. After filing of the final report in the criminal case, the petitioner submitted a detailed representation dated 24.11.2025 to the respondent seeking revocation of his suspension. However, till date, the said representation has not been considered. Hence, the present Writ Petition.
5. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice, if this Court, issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 24.11.2025 and to pass appropriate orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.
6. Learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the respondents submitted that the petitioner's representation dated 24.11.2025 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within a period of two (2) weeks.
7. 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 respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 24.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same on merits and in accordance with law within a period of two (2) 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.
8. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.
10.02.2026 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order Nhs
To 1.The Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department and Public Works Department Chennai.
2.Executive Engineer Central Pennaiyaru Drainland Zone Tiruvannamalai.
3.Assistant Executive Engineer Water Resource Department Sathanur Dam Sub-Division Sathanur Dam Thiruvannamalai.
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
Nhs 10.02.2026