Madras High CourtWP/13231/2026disposed of

Oruginaindha Manapparai Taluka Manavari v. The Election Commission Of India

2026-04-09Honourable The Chief Justice,Honourable Mr.Justice G.Arul Murugan4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09.04.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN Oruginaindha Manapparai Taluka Manavari Matrum Iravai Pasanthargal Vivasayigal Sangam Rep. by its President Mr.M.Abdullah Regn.No. 198/2013 Regd. Office at No.1222, East Street Puthantham Post, Manapparai Taluk Tiruchirappali District.

Petitioner Vs

1. The Election Commission Of India Rep. by its Chief Election Commissioner Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001.

2.The Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu Public (Elections) Department Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009.

3.The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Chief Secretary Secretariat Fort St. George, Chennai 600009.

4.The State Of Tamil Nadu rep. by its Secretary to Government Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department Secretariat, Fort St. George Chennai 600009.

Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to take

appropriate action upon the petitioner's representation dated 14.01.2026 and 19.02.2026 regarding transfer of Government officials within the State of Tamil Nadu in compliance with the mandate under G.O.Ms.No.10 dated 07.01.1994 within a time frame.

For Petitioner : Mr. B.Prashanth Nadaraj For Respondents : Mr. Niranjan Rajagopalan Standing Counsel for R1 and R2.

Mr. J.Ravindran Additional Advocate General (Through Video Conferencing) Assisted By Mrs. E.Ranganayaki Additional Government Pleader for R3 and R4.

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) By this petition styled as a 'public interest litigation', the petitioner seeks a direction upon the respondents to take appropriate action on the petitioner's representations dated 14.01.2026 and 19.02.2026, regarding transfer of Government officials within the State of Tamil Nadu.

2. It is well settled that no public interest litigation is maintainable in service matters. This issue is covered by the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Ayaaubkhan Noorkhan Pathan vs.

State of Maharashtra1, wherein the Apex Court has held that such a course of action is not permissible so far as service matters are concerned.

3. The petitioner's attempt seeking transfer of officials through a public interest litigation is nothing but perverse and misconceived. Accordingly, we refrain from entertaining this petition. However, the Election Commission of India would be free to deal with the representation if any submitted by the petitioner, in accordance with law. The writ petition stands disposed of. There will be no order as to costs.

(SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ.) (G.ARUL MURUGAN, J.) 09.04.2026 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No tar 1(2013) 4 SCC 465

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

(tar) To

1. The Chief Election Commissioner Of India Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001. 2.The Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu Public (Elections) Department Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009.

3.The Chief Secretary Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009. 4.The Secretary to Government Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department Secretariat, Fort St. George Chennai 600009.

09.04.2026