Dhanavel v. The State Of Tamil Nadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 12-02-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI
1. Dhanavel S/o.Arumugam, No.10, Ramanpettai, Manikavalasu, Salangapalayam, Gundhapadi, Singanallur Post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455
2. R.Palanisamy S/o.Rangasamy No.7, Ramanpettai, Salangapalayam, Gundhapadi, Singanallur Post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455.
3. C.Nanjappan S/o.Chinnasamy No.9A, Ramanpettai, Salangapalayam, Gundhapadi, Singanallur Post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455
4. M.Mariammal W/o.Marappan No.6, Ramanpettai, Salangapalayam, Gundhapadi, Singanallur Post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455.
5. T.Paramasivam S/o.Thirumalai, 29/49, Thiru.V.ka. Street, Sakthi Road, Gounthapadi Post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455
6. P.Lakshimanan S/o.Palani 29/49, Thiru.V.ka. Street, Sakthi Road, Gounthapadi Post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455
7. P.Senniappan S/o.Palanisamy, 21/1 Kettukarar Street, Velampalayam Post, Gounthapadi post, Bhavani Tk, Erode District-638 455 ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Highways Department. Chennai-9.
2. The Director General Highways Department, No.76 Sardar Vallabaipatel Road, Guindy, Chennai-25
3. The Divisional Engineer Highways Department, Erode, Erode District-638 002
4. The Divisional Engineer Highways Department, Gopichettipalayam, Erode District-638 476 ..Respondent(s) Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioners' representation dated on 31.10.2025 in the light of the Government order (Nilai) No.102 Department of Highways and Minor Ports (H..2) dated 16.08.2024 and direct the respondents to appoint the petitioner herein in the existing or further vacancies as Gang Mazdoors in regular time scale of pay. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.S.Packiaraj For Respondent(s):
Mr.P.Ganesan, AGP
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioners' representation dated on 31.10.2025 in the light of the Government Order (Nilai) No.102, Department of Highways and Minor Ports (H..2), dated 16.08.2024 and also to direct the respondents to appoint the petitioners herein in the existing or further vacancies as Gang Mazdoors in the regular time scale of pay.
2. Heard the learned counsels appearing on either side. With the consent of both sides, the Writ Petition is taken up for hearing at the admission stage itself.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners herein are employed as Gang Mazdoors in the third respondent Highways Department from the year 1992 and had put in service for more than 15 years with artificial break. He further submitted that in an identical issue, this Court had passed an order in W.P.No.36623 of 2004 in favour of the petitioners therein for appointment of Gang Mazdoors in regular scale of pay and directed for their absorption, which was also confirmed by the Hon'ble Apex Court. He continued that the petitioners herein are also similarly placed as that of the petitioners in W.P.No.36623 of 2004 and hence, they made a representation to the respondents on 31.10.2025 to appoint them as Gang Mazdoors in regular time scale of pay, however there was no response and hence, the present Writ Petition.
4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, there shall be a direction to the second respondent to consider the representation of the petitioners dated 31.10.2025 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
6. WMP.No.4198 of 2026 filed by the petitioners to permit them to join together and file a single Writ Petition is allowed subject to payment of a single Court fee.
12-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order DP To
1. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Highways Department. Chennai-9.
2. The Director General Highways Department, No.76 Sardar Vallabaipatel Road, Guindy, Chennai-25
3. The Divisional Engineer Highways Department, Erode, Erode District-638 002
4. The Divisional Engineer Highways Department, Gopichettipalayam, Erode District-638 476
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
DP 12-02-2026