S.Mathiyan v. The Joint Registrar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 08-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA S.Mathiyan S/o. Late. Sellamuthu, No. 87, Kamaraj Nagar, Mettur Main Road, Bhavani 638 301 Erode district ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Mohan Kumaramangalam Salai, Suramoatti Valasu, Erode

2. The Administrator K- 954 Bhavani Agricultural produce Cooperative Marketing Society, Bhavani, Erode district ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider petitioners statutory petition dated 7.08.2025 on merits after affording the petitioner an opportunity of personal hearing and dispose of the same within a time limit framed by this Court.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr. J.Sarathkennedy For Respondent(s):

Mr. A.R.Balaji, Government Advocate

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider petitioners statutory petition dated 7.08.2025 on merits after affording the petitioner an opportunity of personal hearing and dispose of the same within a time limit framed by this Court.

2. The case of the petitioner is that he was appointed as a Salesman on 13.10.1989 and rendered long, unblemished service. While serving at Thippuchettipalayam Branch, he was placed under suspension on 14.03.2023. The suspension was revoked on 11.09.2023 with a direction to complete the disciplinary proceedings within 12 weeks.

3. However, the disciplinary proceedings were not concluded within the stipulated period, and a minor punishment of "condemnation" was imposed only on 07.03.2025. Subsequently, the second respondent passed further orders

treating the said period of absence differently, resulting in loss of pay, leave benefits, and attendant service benefits to the petitioner.

4. Aggrieved by the contradictory orders and the prolonged delay in finalising the disciplinary proceedings, the petitioner submitted a statutory petition. Despite enquiry hearings, the statutory petition has not yet been disposed of. The petitioner, who is due to retire on 30.06.2026, contends that the inaction of the first respondent is arbitrary and has adversely affected his salary, leave, and retirement benefits. Hence, he has approached the Court seeking appropriate directions for disposal of the statutory petition.

5. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondents.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing for both sides, this Court directs the 1st respondent/ Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies, to consider the Statutory Petition of the petitioner dated 07.08.2025 and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of one (1) month from today.

7. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

08-06-2026 Asi To

1. The Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Mohan Kumaramangalam Salai, Suramoatti Valasu, Erode

2. The Administrator K- 954 Bhavani Agricultural produce Co-operative Marketing Society, Bhavani, Erode District.

P.T.ASHA, J.

Asi 08-06-2026