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Madras High CourtWP/21229/2026disposed of

Tamil Nadu Federation Of Universities v. The State Of Tamil Nadu

2026-06-09Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA Tamil Nadu Federation of Universities Faculty Association, Rep. by its General Secretary, Dr. Baskaran Dharmar, Having its registered office 221 Secretariat Colony, Kilpauk, Chennai 10 ..Petitioner(s) Vs The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 09 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus directing the respondent herein to consider the representation of the petitioner Association and accordingly increase the age of superannuation of the faculty members of the Association from 60 years to 65 years.

For Petitioner(s):

Ms.Dhakshyani Reddy for Ms..S.Suneetha For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.Sathish, GA

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- "directing the respondent herein to consider the representation of the petitioner Association and accordingly increase the age of superannuation of the faculty members of the Association from 60 years to 65 years."

2. The case of the petitioner Association is that, over the next several years, a large number of faculty members are likely to retire upon attaining the age of superannuation, i.e., 60 years. They would submit that due to the failure to recruit faculty members at regular intervals in the Higher Education Department over the past several decades, most universities in Tamil Nadu are facing a shortage of faculty members and do not have the minimum number of faculty members as mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC). They would further contend that this shortage will adversely affect the quality of teaching, research, and academic standards in the State of Tamil Nadu.

3. Therefore, the petitioner Association had submitted a representation dated 28.11.2025 to the respondent, seeking enhancement of the age of superannuation of its faculty members from 60 years to 65 years. In support of its request, the Association has stated that several State Governments have already increased the age of superannuation of university faculty members to 65

years, in line with the communication dated 23.03.2007 addressed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, to the University Grants Commission. Since the said representation dated 28.11.2025 has not been considered by the respondent to date, the petitioner Association is before this Court.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either side.

5. Considering the limited relief sought for by the petitioner Association and taking note of the fact that the petitioner's representation dated 28.11.2025 has not been considered to date, the Writ Petition is allowed. The respondent is directed to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's representation dated 28.11.2025 on merits and in accordance with law within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. 09-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SHR To The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 09

P.T.ASHA J.

SHR 09-06-2026