P.S.Kannan v. The State Of Tamil Nadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 16-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA P.S.Kannan S/o.Perumal No.52B Nadutheru Kallai Sarathur Village Tiruvannamalai Taluk Tiruvannamalai District.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Additional Chief Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department,Fort St. George Chennai 9.

2. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forest (Head of Forest Force) Forest Head Quarters Velachery Main Road Guindy, Chennai 32.

..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioners claim in respect of notional promotion in the post of Forest Guard on par with his junior by including his name in the panel drawn for the year 2003-2004 with effect from 31.05.2004 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 05.05.2026.

For Petitioner(s):

Ms.K.Jenitha For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.S.Sathish Government Advocate Order This writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's claim in respect of notional promotion in the post of Forest Guard on par with his junior by including his name in the panel drawn for the year 2003-2004 with effect from 31.05.2004 by considering his representation dated 05.05.2026.

2. The petitioner was appointed as a Plot Watcher on daily wages on 01.09.1978. His name was included in the Statewide Seniority List prepared at S.No.403 pursuant to G.O.Ms.No.64, Environment and Forest Department, dated 08.03.1999. However, several persons junior to him were regularized and promoted earlier. The petitioner's juniors were appointed as Forest Watchers on 24.01.1995, whereas the petitioner's services were regularized only on 01.03.2003. Seeking regularization on par with his juniors from 24.01.1995, the petitioner filed W.P.No.12879 of

2017, which was allowed. Pursuant to the said order, the Government had issued G.O.(Ms.) No.40, dated 26.04.2019. However, the petitioner's service was regularized only with effect from 08.03.1999 instead of 24.01.1995. Since his seniority was fixed only from 08.03.1999, the petitioner's claim for notional promotion to the post of Forest Guard in the panel year 2003-2004 was rejected by proceedings dated 24.05.2023. Challenging the fixation of his seniority from 08.03.1999, the petitioner had filed W.P.No.30020 of 2025. The writ petition was allowed as prayed for. Pursuant to the direction of this Court, the Government had issued G.O.(2D) No.43, dated 21.04.2026, fixing the petitioner's seniority with effect from 24.01.1995. In view of the above development, the petitioner is entitled to be considered for notional promotion to the post of Forest Guard in the panel year 2003-2004 on par with his juniors. Though a representation was submitted on 05.05.2026, no orders have been passed thereon till date. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed seeking the aforesaid relief.

4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents.

5. Considering the limited scope of the prayer sought in this writ petition, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representations dated 05.05.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

16-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department Fort St. George Chennai 9.

2. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forest (Head of Forest Force) Forest Head Quarters Velachery Main Road Guindy, Chennai 32.

P.T.ASHA J.

SRN 16-06-2026