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Madras High CourtWP/23186/2026disposed of with direction

U.Umarani v. The District Collector-Cum-

2026-06-22Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 22-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI U.Umarani ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR-cumInspector of Panchayats, Dharmapuri- 636 705.

2. The Assistant Director Rural Development, Collector Office Buildings, Dharmapuri- 636 705.

3. The Block Development Officer Village and Panchayats, Morappur Union, Dharmapuri- 635 305.

4. The Zonal Deputy Block Development officer (Unit -3), Morappur Union, Dharmapuri- 635 305.

5. R.Vinotha ..Respondent(s) This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the Respondent Nos.1 to 4 to consider the petitioners representation dated 24.02.2026 to sanction and reimburse the amounts incurred by the petitioner from her personal funds towards essential panchayat works during her tenure as president of Morappur panchayat from 06.01.2020 to 05.01.2025, which expenditure had

been incurred due to the administrative deadlock caused by on-signing of cheques by the 5th Respondent vice President. For Petitioner(s):

Mr. V.Govardhanan For Respondent(s):

Mr.M.Sivavarthanan, Government Counsel RR1 to 4

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking a direction to the Respondent Nos.1 to 4 to consider the petitioners representation dated 24.02.2026 to sanction and reimburse the amounts incurred by the petitioner from her personal funds towards essential panchayat works during her tenure as president of Morappur panchayat from 06.01.2020 to 05.01.2025, which expenditure had been incurred due to the administrative deadlock caused by on-signing of cheques by the 5th Respondent vice President.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner contested in the Gram Panchayat Election and was elected as the President of Morappur Panchayat and assumed charge on 06.01.2020. The 5th respondent was elected as the Vice President of the Panchayat. The 5th respondent repeatedly refused to sign the cheques by raising untenable objections, which resulted in serious administrative difficulties in operating the panchayat accounts and implementing approved developmental works. The dead lock created by the 5th

respondent by not signing the approved Panchayat cheques, several essential civic works and developmental activities approved in the panchayat meeting and Grama Sabha meetings could not be implemented in time. The petitioner made repeated requests to the 5th respondent to sign the cheques and all the necessary actions were kept pending because of non issuance of funds. Hence, the petitioner made a representation on 24.02.2026 to the first respondent highlighting the ongoing administrative difficulties and requesting release of necessary funds for carrying out essential panchayat functions and to sanction and reimburse the amounts incurred by the petitioner from her personal funds towards essential panchayat works during her tenure as President of Morappur Panchayat and the same is not considered so far. Hence, the present writ petition.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may direct the respondents to consider and pass orders on the petitioners representation within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

4. The learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the representation will be considered and orders will be passed within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

5. Heard the learned counsel for both side and perused the materials

available on record.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in view of the limited request sought for by the petitioner, this court directs the first respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's representation dated 24.02.2026 within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 22-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rli To

1. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR-cumInspector of Panchayats, Dharmapuri- 636 705.

2. The Assistant Director Rural Development, Collector Office Buildings, Dharmapuri- 636 705.

3. The Block Development Officer Village and Panchayats, Morappur Union, Dharmapuri- 635 305.

4. The Zonal Deputy Block Development officer (Unit -3), Morappur Union, Dharmapuri- 635 305.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

rli 22-06-2026