N.Vijayalakshmi v. The Registrar General /

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 16.02.2026 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN & W.M.P.Nos.5464 & 5466 of 2026 N.Vijayalakshmi D/o.Nallusamy Secretary, DLSA Tiruvanamalai.

Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Registrar General / Disciplinary Authority Madras High Court.

2. The Enquiry Officer / Presiding Officer I Additional Labour Court Chennai.

Respondent(s) Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records

pertaining to the impugned order dated 20.01.2026 passed by the 2nd respondent in the Memo field by the petitioner in the enquiry being held in pursuance of ROC No.2108/2021/ARG/B3(ROC.No.23/2022/ VC) dated 28.01.2025 of 1st respondent, quash the same and allow the said petition For Petitioner(s):

Ms. D.Geetha For Respondent(s):

Mr. S.John J.Raja Singh Standing Counsel

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) Petitioner, in the midst of departmental enquiry proceedings, seeks to challenge the process by making an allegation that proper opportunity is not afforded.

2. We see from the record that a charge sheet has been served on petitioner and petitioner has been given an opportunity to submit her statement of defence. Even before the examination of the prosecution witnesses, petitioner has raised an objection and on that objection, the enquiry officer has already passed an order.

3. As and when the prosecution witnesses are examined, petitioner will have a full opportunity to cross-examine the same. Thereafter, petitioner would be granted liberty to lead her own defence witnesses. In case any penalty is imposed on petitioner, petitioner would be at liberty to challenge the same in accordance with law.

4. With liberty, petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the interim applications are also closed. (MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J) 16.02.2026 Index :

Yes/No Yes/No kpl To

1. The Registrar General / Disciplinary Authority Madras High Court.

2. The Enquiry Officer / Presiding Officer I Additional Labour Court Chennai.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN,J.

(kpl) 16.02.2026