Dr.J.Anand v. The Appellate Authority

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 21.06.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH Dr.J.Anand

...Petitioner

Vs 1.The Appellate Authority, District School Education Department, Directorate of School Education, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

2.The Secretary, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Group of Schools, No.28, Dr.Guruswamy Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031.

3.The Chief Educational Officer, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Group of Schools, No.28, Dr.Guruswamy Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to dispose the appeal filed by the petitioner dated 18.03.2023. 1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Thenrajan For Respondents : Mr.S.Prabhakaran Government Advocate

ORDER

With the consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. The limited prayer sought for in this Writ Petition is for a direction to the first respondent herein to dispose of the appeal preferred by the petitioner dated 18.03.2023 within a stipulated time.

3. It is needless to point out that whenever a statutory appeal is preferred before the Appellate Authority, there is a duty cast on him to dispose of the appeal expeditiously. Non-compliance of such a responsibility would amount to dereliction of duties and this Court would be justified in directing the authority to dispose of the appeal within a stipulated time, in exercise of its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

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4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the first respondent herein to dispose of the petitioner's appeal petition dated 18.03.2023, if not already disposed of, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner, on its own merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

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

21.06.2023 Index:Yes/No hvk To 1.The Appellate Authority, District School Education Department, Directorate of School Education, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

2.The Secretary, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Group of Schools, No.28, Dr.Guruswamy Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031.

3.The Chief Educational Officer, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Group of Schools, No.28, Dr.Guruswamy Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031.

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M.S.RAMESH,J.

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