Tamil Nadu State Food Safety v. The Government Of Tamil Nadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 29-05-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P.Nos.22389 & 22390 of 2026

1. Tamil Nadu State Food Safety Officers Welfare Association (Regn. No.190/2012), Rep. By its State General Secretary, No.27A, Venkatalakshmi Nagar, Trichy Road, Singanallur, Coimbatore - 641 005.

2. P. Selvapandian, S/o. Pandian ..Petitioners Vs

1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Commissioner of Food Safety, Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, No.359 Anna Salai, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai-600 006.

..Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 and 2 to consider and take steps to promote/appoint the Food Safety Officers working in the second respondent commissionerate to the post of Designated Officer in terms of the Adh-hoc Rules for the Temporary Posts of Director-cum-additional Commissionerate Food Safety, Deputy Director Grade-II (Regulatory and

Compliance) and Designated Officer of Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration for Tamil Nadu Food Safety Service Notified vide Notification No.54 dt. 04.02.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 04.04.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioners :

Mr.N G R Prasad for M/s.Row And Reddy For Respondents :

Dr.R.Gouri Government Counsel *****

ORDER

W.M.P.No.22389 of 2026 filed seeking permission to petitioners to file a single writ petition is ordered, subject to payment of separate court fee.

2. Heard both sides.

3. The members of the first petitioner association are working as Food Safety Officers. Their contention is that they are entitled to be promoted as designated officers. Their grievance is that their claims are being overlooked. Even though pursuant to the orders of this Court rules have been framed, they are not being implemented. The petitioners have therefore given a representation on 04.04.2026.

4. The first respondent is directed to dispose of the aforesaid representation on merits and in the light of the newly formulated Service Rules within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

29-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order gm/maya To

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Commissioner of Food Safety, Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, No.359 Anna Salai, DMS Campus, Teynampet, Chennai-600 006.

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

gm/maya 29-05-2026