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Madras High CourtWP/18992/2026disposed of

D.Vedarathinam v. The Director Of Elementary Education,

2026-06-04Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA D.Vedarathinam ..petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Director of Elementary Education, Directorate of Elementary Education, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600006

2. The District Educational Officer, (Elementary Education), Cuddalore District -607001.

3. The Block Educational Officer, Block Educational Office, Parangipettai -608502.

..respondent(s) Prayer:

This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal dated 29.01.2026, rectify the pay anomaly, step up the petitioner's pay on par with his junior Mrs.G.Parameshwari, fix the petitioner's pay at Rs.81,500/- with effect from 01.10.2018, grant all consequential service and monetary benefits.

For petitioner(s):

Mr.A.Kumar For respondent(s):

Mr. K.Sathish Government Advocate

Order This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To direct the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal dated 29.01.2026, rectify the pay anomaly, step up the petitioner's pay on par with his junior Mrs.G.Parameshwari, fix the petitioner's pay at Rs.81,500/- with effect from 01.10.2018, grant all consequential service and monetary benefits."

2. The petitioner was appointed as a Secondary Grade Teacher on 05.10.1988 and has consistently remained senior to one G.Parameshwari, who was appointed on 30.12.1989. Throughout their service, the petitioner has been ahead in all aspects, including completion of probation, promotions and seniority at Block and State levels.

3. The petitioner was promoted as a Middle School Headmaster on 29.06.2012, whereas, the said Parameshwari attained the same cadre only on 13.06.2018. Despite this undisputed seniority, a pay anomaly has arisen, wherein, the said Parameshwari is drawing a higher salary (Rs.81,500/-) than the petitioner (Rs.72,400/-).

4. The petitioner made a representation dated 21.07.2025, seeking stepping up of pay on par with his junior, in accordance with applicable Government Orders. However, the same was rejected by the 2nd and 3rd respondents on the ground that both were appointed in different Panchayat Unions. The petitioner made an appeal dated 29.01.2026 before the 1st respondent challenging the rejection order of the 2nd and 3rd respondents. However, the 1st respondent has not taken any action on the appeal till date. Therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the fact that the petitioner's appeal dated 29.01.2026, before the 1st respondent has not been disposed of till date, a direction is issued to the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal and pass orders on the same, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of 3 months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

04-06-2026 KAN

To 1.The Director of Elementary Education, Directorate of Elementary Education, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600006 2.The District Educational Officer, (Elementary Education), Cuddalore District -607001.

3.The Block Educational Officer, Block Educational Office, Parangipettai -608502.

P.T.ASHA J.

KAN 04-06-2026