V.Venkatesan v. The State Of Tamil Nadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 28.07.2023
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN V.Venkatesan ... Petitioner -Vs1. State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by its Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.
2. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Office at Panagal Maaligai, Saidapet, Chennai-600 015.
... Respondents Prayer:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to consider the representation dated 27.01.2014 of the petitioner for conferment of cash award of Rs.5,00,000/- and also for accelerated promotion for the acts of bravery registered by him during the course of his employment, in the light of the recommendations dated 24.01.2014 made by the District Forest Officer, Attur Forest Division, Salem District.
For Petitioner : Mr.S.Mani For Respondents : Mr.V.Veluchamy Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed directing the first respondent to consider the representation dated 27.01.2014 of the petitioner for conferment of cash award of Rs.5,00,000/- and also for accelerated promotion for the acts of bravery registered by him during the course of his employment.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel for the respondents and perused the materials available on record.
3. The petitioner was appointed as a Social Forestry Worker in the Forest Department on 18.01.1985 through Employment Exchange. Subsequently, on 23.01.1995, the petitioner was brought into regular time scale of pay as Forest Watcher as per G.O.Ms.No.332, Environment and Forest Department dated 22.12.1994. Thereafter, he was also promoted to the post of Forest Guard on 17.06.2004 and again he was promoted to the post of Forester on 27.12.2011. During his service, he was awarded with meritorious service to his credit. He was also awarded Chief Minister's Award for the year 2009-2010 for having rendered meritorious service vide G.O.(D).No.256, Environment and Forest (F4) Department dated30.09.2010. He had also deducted smuggling of sandalwood, by smugglers and he had prevented smuggling of sandalwood
worth about Rs.90 Lakhs. Therefore, he submitted his representation for conferment of cash award in his favour. On receipt of the representation, the first respondent by its letter dated 02.07.2013, directed the second respondent to examine the issue and the first respondent also directed the District Forest Officer, Attur, Salem and called upon his report. Accordingly, by a report dated 27.09.2013, the District Forest Officer, Attur, Salem, recommended for cash award of Rs.5,00,000/- besides special allowance of Rs.200/- per month. In the meanwhile, the second respondent also directed the District Forest Officer, Salem to forward its proposals about the awards. Even in the year 2007, on 21.02.2007, the second respondent recommended the case of the petitioner for promotion in order to encourage and honour the service of the petitioner.
4. A perusal of the proceedings dated 03.01.2014, the District Forest Officer, Attur Forest Division, Attur stated that during the service of the petitioner, he was instrumental in registering 86 cases relating to sandalwood theft, involving 35.171 tonnes of sandalwood worth about Rs.90 Lakhs. During the course of the detection of those cases, 12 vehicles used in the commission of the offences were also detained by the petitioner. He had registered 9 cases of sandalwood theft and recovered sandalwood weighing 8.400 tonnes during his employment. Therefore, he recommended for conferment of cash award of
Rs.5,00,000/- and Rs.200/- as monthly increment. However, those recommendations were not considered by the first respondent and as such the petitioner made a representation dated 27.01.2014.
5. Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case, the first respondent is directed to pass appropriate orders, in the light of the recommendations made by the second respondent and the recommendation of the District Forest Officer, Attur Forest Division, Salem District, dated 24.01.2014, within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. With the above directions, this Writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 28.07.2023 Internet : Yes Index : Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order mn
To
1. The Secretary to Government, State of Tamil Nadu, Environment and Forest Department, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.
2. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Office at Panagal Maaligai, Saidapet, Chennai-600 015.
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.
mn 28.07.2023