U.Senthilkumar v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 19-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA and WMP No.24550 of 2026 U.Senthilkumar ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector, Coimbatore District, Coimbatore.

2. The Personnel Assistant to District collector (Development) Coimbatore District.

3. The Block Development officer (V.P) Periyanaikanpalayam Panchayath Union, Coimbatore District 641 020.

..Respondent(s) PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a Writ of a Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the proceedings of the third respondent in proceedings No. Ka.No. 482/ 2026/ Aa1 dated 22.05.2026, quash the same and consequently, direct the respondents to reinstate the petitioner in service with all consequential and attendant benefits.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.N.Srinivasan for Mr.P.Chinnadurai For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.Sathish, Government Advocate

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned order dated 22.05.2026 passed by the third respondent in proceedings No. Ka.No. 482/ 2026/ Aa1 and consequently, direct the respondents to reinstate the petitioner in service with all consequential and attendant benefits. 2.

The case of the petitioner is that he was originally appointed as a Clerk in 2001 and his services were subsequently regularized by the Block Development Officer, Thondamuthur, in 2021. He was later appointed as a Panchayat Secretary and subsequently transferred to the Somayampalayam Village Panchayat in the Coimbatore District, where he served continuously for two years without any adverse remarks or pending disciplinary proceedings. Unexpectedly, the petitioner received the impugned order dated 22 May 2026, issued by the third respondent, relieving him from his current post. The sole basis for the impugned order is an allegation stemming from a video circulated on Instagram regarding the collection of fees for providing water service connections in the Village Panchayat.

This video was recorded two years ago by an individual named Praveen during an enquiry regarding the official charges payable for obtaining a new water connection. The amounts shown were collected officially and proper receipts were issued to all applicants.

amounts. Even the contents of the video establish that there was no illegal demand or misconduct on his part. Despite this, the third respondent passed the impugned order without conducting a preliminary enquiry, issuing a notice or affording the petitioner an opportunity to submit an explanation. Aggrieved by this arbitrary and illegal action, the petitioner has approached this Court by way of the present writ petition.

3.

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

A perusal of the impugned order reveals that the petitioner was relieved from service solely on the basis of allegations arising out a video circulated on social media regarding the collection of charges for providing water service connections. The records indicate that no preliminary enquiry was conducted and no show-cause notice was issued to the petitioner before passing the impugned order. Consequently, the petitioner was deprived of a reasonable opportunity to submit his explanation and defend himself against the allegations.

5.

In the settled principles of law that any order having civil consequences must be preceded by adherence to the principles of natural justice. In the present case, the respondent authority failed to afford the petitioner an

opportunity of being heard before issuing the impugned order. Therefore, the impugned order suffers from procedural irregularity and is liable to be interfered with.

6.

In view of the above, the impugned order dated 22.05.2026 passed by the third respondent in proceedings No.Ka.No.482/2026/Aa1, is set aside. The matter is remitted to the third respondent for fresh consideration. The respondents are directed to reinstate the petitioner in service forthwith with continuity of service and attendant benefits, subject to the outcome of the enquiry. It is open to the respondents to proceed against the petitioner, if so advised, by following due process of law and affording him adequate opportunity to submit his explanation. Accordingly, this Writ Petition stands allowed. There shall be no order as to costs. 19-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order VKR

To 1.The District Collector, Coimbatore District, Coimbatore.

2.The Personnel Assistant to District collector (Development) Coimbatore District.

3.The Block Development officer (V.P) Periyanaikanpalayam Panchayath Union, Coimbatore District 641 020.

P.T.ASHA, J.

VKR 19-06-2026