Tamilmani v. The Secretary To Governement,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA Tamilmani W/o.Dhandapani, 5/137, Mosque street, Periyar Nagar, Kinathakadavu, Coimbatore. Pin - 642109.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Secretary to Governement, Highways Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Chief Engineer Highways Department, Office of the Chief Engineer, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.

3. The Superintendent Engineer Highways Department, Kovai Circle, Trichy Road, Coimbatore - 641 018.

..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to revise the family pension calculating petitioner husbands entire service as per G.O.Ms.No.36 Highways and Minor Ports Department dated 29.12.2006 in favor of the petitioner, since her husband E.Dhandapani was sanctioned pension only for a part of the service rendered by him.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.D.Anand Raja For Respondent(s):

Mr.A.R.Balaji Government Advocate Order The Writ Petition has been filed seeking to issue a writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to revise the family pension by calculating the petitioner's husband's entire service as per G.O.Ms.No.36 Highways and Minor Ports Department dated 29.12.2006 in favour of the petitioner, since her husband E.Dhandapani was sanctioned pension only for a part of the service rendered by him.

2. The petitioner would submit that her husband, E. Dhandapani, joined the Highways Department as a Cleaner on 23.12.1974 and his services were regularized on 01.01.1981. He was promoted as a Driver on 11.05.1983, and retired on 31.01.2007 after rendering 32 years of service. Though eligible for benefits under G.O.Ms.No.36, Highways and Minor Ports Department, dated 29.12.2006, his pension was sanctioned only for part of his service, resulting in reduced pensionary benefits. The petitioner's husband was included at Rank No.255 among the

beneficiaries covered under G.O.Ms.No.36 and was entitled to full pensionary benefits. However, the respondents failed to extend the same. Therefore, he filed W.P.No.9716 of 2011. During the pendency of the case, the respondents had instructed his counsel to withdraw the writ petition to enable him to obtain the benefits under G.O.Ms.No.36. Accordingly, he filed W.M.P.No.20538 of 2017 seeking withdrawal of the writ petition, and this Court permitted the withdrawal by order dated 11.11.2024. Meanwhile, the petitioner's husband died on 16.02.2024. Thereafter, family pension was sanctioned to the petitioner in PPO No.314346/HW, but without extending the benefits of G.O.Ms.No.36 dated 29.12.2006. After the sanction of family pension on 08.04.2024, the petitioner repeatedly requested revision of the family pension in terms of G.O.Ms.No.36. Several representations, including one dated 28.03.2026, were submitted. Since no action has been taken on the said representations, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents.

4. Considering the limited scope of the prayer sought in this writ petition, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 28.03.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

02-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN To

1. The Secretary to Government, Highways Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, chennai - 600 009.

2. The Chief Engineer Highways Department, Office of the Chief Engineer, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.

3. The Superintendent Engineer Highways Department, Kovai Circle, Trichy Road, Coimbatore - 641 018.

P.T.ASHA J.

SRN 02-06-2026