Madras High CourtWP/21468/2026disposed of

V.Dharmalingam v. The Chief Executive Officer

2026-06-15Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA V.Dharmalingam ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority, Institute of mental Health Campus, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.

2. The Chairperson, Mental Health Review Board, Erode, Government Headquarters Campus, Erode - 638 001.

..Respondent(s) Prayer: This writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the first respondent to take action on the petitioner's representation dated 17.08.2021 followed by reminders dated 03.03.2022 and 04.04.2022 requesting for payment of Consolidated Monthly Honorarium instead of daily sitting Allowance as contemplated under Rule 20(2) of the Mental Health Care (Central Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards) Rules, 2018. For Petitioner(s) :

Mr.P.Manoj Kumar For Respondent(s) :

Mr.A.R.Balaji, Government Advocate

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed directing the first respondent to take action on the petitioner's representation dated 17.08.2021 followed by

reminders dated 03.03.2022 and 04.04.2022 requesting for payment of Consolidated Monthly Honorarium instead of daily sitting Allowance as contemplated under Rule 20(2) of the Mental Health Care (Central Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards) Rules, 2018.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner voluntarily retired from service as Bench Clerk-II, Sub Court, Perundurai, Erode District on 04.06.2018. The Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority, Chennai invited applications for appointment as Chairperson and other Members for the Mental Health Review Boards in the State. The petitioner submitted his application for appointment as Member and was appointed as Member vide order dated 28.09.2020 issued by the first respondent. He was again appointed as Member of Mental Health Review Board, Erode by order dated 28.01.2026. Seeking for sanction of Consolidated Monthly Honorarium the petitioner made a representation before the first respondent on 17.08.2021 and reminders dated 03.03.2022 and 04.04.2022. However, no orders have been passed. Hence, the petitioner is before this Court seeking the above mentioned relief.

3. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

4. Considering the relief now sought for by the learned counsel for the

petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 17.08.2021 and reminders dated 03.03.2022 and 04.04.2022, on merits and in accordance with law and to pass appropriate orders, within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 15-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rap To

1. The Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority, Institute of mental Health Campus, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.

2. The Chairperson, Mental Health Review Board, Erode, Government Headquarters Campus, Erode - 638 001.

P.T.ASHA, J.

rap 15-06-2026