Madras High CourtWP/22097/2023disposed of

G.Chitra v. The Secretary To Government

2023-08-10Honourable Mr Justice N. Sathish Kumar4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 10.08.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR 1.G.Chitra 2.I.Sekar 3.S.Shyamla 4.S.Malini 5.C.Vasantha 6.M.Parimala 7.M.Dhanam 8.B.Rathina ... Petitioners

Versus

1.The Secretary to Government Environment and Forest Department Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009 2.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Velachery Main Road, Guindy Chennai - 600 032 ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to appoint and regularise the petitioners service in the cadre post of forest watcher on par with similarly placed persons like petitioners as per G.O.Ms.No.50, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.2(ii)) Department dated 10.03.2023 with effect from 10.03.2023 by considering the representation dated 02.04.2023.

1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Mani For Respondents : Mr.S.Arumugam Government Advocate

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to direct the respondents to appoint and regularise the petitioners service in the cadre post of forest watcher on par with similarly placed persons like petitioners as per G.O.Ms.No.50, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.2(ii)) Department dated 10.03.2023 with effect from 10.03.2023 by considering the representation dated 02.04.2023.

2. It is the case of the writ petitioners that they were appointed as Plot Watcher in the year 1995. Thereafter, their service was regularised as as Plot Watcher (supernumerary post) instead of Forest Watcher. It is the grievance of the petitioners that similarly situated persons who were brought into time scale of pay as plot watcher (supernumerary) along with the petitioners were brought into regular service in the cadre post of Forest Watcher on 05.05.2017 and they were further promoted as forest guard on 21.10.2021, but the same were denied to the petitioners. Hence, the petitioners submitted representation dated 02.11.2021 which was not 2/4

considered till date. Hence, this writ petition came up before this Court.

3. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record. Considering the limited relief sought for in this writ petition, this Court directs the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioners dated 02.11.2021 and pass appropriate order(s) in light of the earlier Orders passed in respect of the similarly situated persons and in accordance with G.O.Ms.No.50, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.2(ii)) Department dated 10.03.2023 within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this Order.

4. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 10.08.2023 dhk Index:Yes/No Internet: Yes/No N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.

3/4

dhk To 1.The Secretary to Government Environment and Forest Department Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009 2.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Velachery Main Road, Guindy Chennai - 600 032 Order in:

10.08.2023 4/4