The Correspondent, v. The District Collector,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 11-06-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA AND WMP NO. 21949 OF 2026,WMP NO. 21950 OF 2026 The Correspondent, Danish Mission Elementary School, Keelakondur Village, Kandatchipuram Taluk, Villupuram District-605755, by Rev.Barnabas Paul ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The District Collector, Villupuram District, Villupuram-605602
2. The Block Development Officer, Mugaiyur Panchayat Union @ Manampoondi, Kandatchipuram Taluk, Villupuram District-605759
3. The Personnel Assistant to the District Collector, (Nutritious Meal Program) Villupuram District, Villupuram-60562
4. S.Santhiya, W/o.Kamaraj, Mariamman Koil Street, Keelakondur Village, Paranur Post,Kandatchipuram Taluk, Villupuram District-605755 ..Respondent(s)
Prayer:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamuscalling for the records on the file of 3rd respondent in his proceedings No.Na.Ka.No.2632844/2025/BE4,dated 16.02.2026 and quash the same and consequently directing the 1st to 3rd respondents herein to consider the recommendation of Petitioner School management for the appointment to the Post of Assistant Cook at Nutritious Meal Scheme Center,Danish Mission Elementary School,Keelakondur Village,Kandachipuram Taluk,Villupuram District as per the interview and selection conducted by the 2nd and 3rd respondents on 14.05.2025 and subsequent recommendation by petitioner School management dated 22.01.2026.
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.M.Vimal B Crimson For Respondent(s):
Mr.V.Sivalingam, Govt. Advocate
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- "calling for the records on the file of 3rd respondent in his proceedings No.Na.Ka.No.2632844/2025/BE4,dated 16.02.2026 and quash the same and consequently directing the 1st to 3rd respondents herein to consider the recommendation of Petitioner School management for the appointment to the Post of Assistant Cook at Nutritious Meal Scheme Center,Danish Mission Elementary School,Keelakondur Village,Kandachipuram Taluk,Villupuram District as per the interview and selection conducted by the 2nd and 3rd respondents on 14.05.2025 and subsequent recommendation by petitioner School management dated 22.01.2026."
Brief Facts of the case:-
2. The petitioner School is a recognized aided minority school managed by Arcot Lutheran Church Mission, which is running several aided educational institutions in Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai and Chennai districts. The petitioner School is one such institution.
3. The case of the petitioner is that the 1st respondent had issued a public notification dated 09.04.2025 inviting applications for appointment to the post of Assistant Cook under the Chief Minister's Nutritious Meal Scheme in aided minority schools under Mugaiyur Panchayat Union, Villupuram District. Pursuant thereto, eligible candidates had applied for the same.
4. The 3rd respondent, by proceedings dated 06.05.2025, called shortlisted candidates for interview scheduled on 14.05.2025 at the office of the 1st respondent, and the said interview was duly conducted.
5. Thereafter, by proceedings dated 11.09.2025, the 2nd respondent had forwarded a list of five candidates, placing one Priyadharshini at Serial No.1, and called upon the petitioner School to select one candidate from the said list. Accordingly, the petitioner School, by letter dated 21.09.2025, recommended the said Priyadharshini for appointment as Assistant Cook in the petitioner School's Nutritious Meal Centre.
6. The petitioner would submit that as per G.O.Ms.No.4, Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department, dated 06.01.2011, selection of Assistant Cooks in aided minority schools shall be made by issuing notification, conducting interview, preparing a panel of eligible candidates, forwarding five names to the School management, and selecting one candidate from the said list. However, in the present case, the procedure was not properly adhered to, as the petitioner School was effectively left with no meaningful choice from the list forwarded.
7. The main grievance of the petitioner is that, despite the petitioner School recommending Priyadharshini on 21.09.2025, no appointment was made in favour of the said candidate. In this regard, the petitioner had made a representation dated 07.01.2026 to the Chief Minister's Special Cell. Subsequently, the 3rd respondent, by reply dated 20.01.2026, had stated that the request was not processed as the selection procedure had not been properly complied with and that appointment could be made only in accordance with G.O.Ms.No.4 dated 06.01.2011. However, contrary to the above, by proceedings dated 16.02.2026, the 3rd respondent had appointed the 4th respondent as Assistant Cook in the petitioner School's Nutritious Meal Centre. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner is before this Court.
8. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the records.
9. A perusal of the records would clearly indicate that, as per the selection procedure, the petitioner School was required to select five persons, which has not been done. It is only after the petitioner shortlists 5 candidates that the 3rd respondent selects one. The ultimate decision to select one candidate from out of 5 rests with the 3rd respondent. Since the petitioner had failed to follow the procedure, the 3rd respondent has exercised his right to select and appoint. Therefore, in terms of G.O.Ms.No.4 dated 06.01.2011, the 3rd respondent, by order dated 16.02.2026 had appointed the 4th respondent to the post of Assistant Cook. Accordingly, the procedure contemplated under the aforesaid Government Order has not been violated by the 3rd respondent and the appointment of the 4th respondent to the post of Assistant Cook has been made in accordance with the said Government Order.
10. In view of the above, I find no reason to interfere with the order passed by the 3rd respondent dated 16.02.2026. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is dismissed. No costs. Consequently, the connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.
11-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SHR
To
1. The District Collector, Villupuram District, Villupuram-605602
2. The Block Development Officer, Mugaiyur Panchayat Union @ Manampoondi, Kandatchipuram Taluk, Villupuram District-605759
3. The Personnel Assistant to the District Collector, (Nutritious Meal Program) Villupuram District, Villupuram-60562
P.T.ASHA J.
SHR AND WMP NO. 21949 OF 2026,WMP NO. 21950 OF 2026 11-06-2026