P.Pandiyarajan v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 16.04.2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN P.Pandiyarajan ...
Petitioner VS.
1.The District Collector Mayiladuthurai District Mayiladuthurai - 609 003.
2.The Revenue Divisional Officer Revenue Divisional Office, Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai - 609 307.
3.The Tahsidar Tharangambadi, Mayiladuthurai - 609 307.
4.The Inspector of Police Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Mayiladuthurai.
(R4 - suo motu impleaded as per order dated 03.06.2024 in W.P.No.12787 of 2024) ...
Respondents Page No.1 of 5
PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents to consider the representation dated 08.04.2024 and also to revoke the petitioner's suspension order received from Revenue Divisional Officer (Na.Ka.No.3500/2023/B1) on 01.11.2023 permanently dispose within a stipulated period of time.
For Petitioner :
Mr.P.Karthikeyan For Respondents :
Mr.V.Nanmaran 1 to 3 Additional Government Pleader
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed in the nature of a writ of Mandamus, seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 08.04.2024, wherein the petitioner has sought revocation of the suspension order dated 01.11.2023. 2.In the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, it had been contended that the petitioner was appointed as a Village Administrative Officer in Tharangambadi Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District, on 05.03.2019. Subsequently, he was transferred to various other Taluks. Page No.2 of 5
It is further stated that an FIR in Crime No. 1/2023 was registered on 31.03.2023 on the file of the Inspector of Police, Vigilance and AntiCorruption, Mayiladuthurai, alleging demand of bribe by the petitioner. The petitioner was arrested and remanded to custody on 09.11.2023 and was later granted bail on 29.11.2023 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mayiladuthurai. In the meantime, he was placed under suspension on 01.11.2023 and continues to remain under suspension. The petitioner submitted a representation dated 08.04.2024 seeking reconsideration of the said suspension.
3.A direction is issued to the second respondent, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai, to consider the representation submitted by the petitioner on 08.04.2024, examine the current status of the investigation and the criminal trial, and thereafter take an appropriate decision as to whether the petitioner should continue to remain under suspension or be posted to another position that would not hinder the ongoing investigation or influence the witnesses. A decision in this regard shall be taken within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
Page No.3 of 5
4.The writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 16.04.2025 Index : Yes / No : Yes / No Speaking Order : Yes / No TK To 1.The District Collector Mayiladuthurai District Mayiladuthurai - 609 003.
2.The Revenue Divisional Officer Revenue Divisional Office, Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai - 609 307.
3.The Tahsidar Tharangambadi, Mayiladuthurai - 609 307.
4.The Inspector of Police Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Mayiladuthurai.
Page No.4 of 5
C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.
TK 16.04.2025 Page No.5 of 5