T.Samikannu v. The Principal Secretary,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 01.03.2021 CORAM :
THE HON'BLE MR.SANJIB BANERJEE, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P.No.24452 of 2019 T.Samikannu ... Petitioner -vs1.The Principal Secretary, The Government of Tamilnadu, Agricultural Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Director, Agriculture Department, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.
3.The Deputy Director of Agriculture, Agriculture Department, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.
4.The District Collector, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.
5.The Assistant Director of Agriculture, Harur Block, Dharmapuri District.
... Respondents Prayer:Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issue of Writ of Mandamus directing the third respondent to pass final orders on the enquiry conducted on 10.1.2019 based on the communication of the third respondent dated 28.12.2018 made in Letter No.Pu.Ma.Mu1/73139/2018 within a stipulated time for appropriate action.
For Petitioner : Mr.M.Vinoth For Respondents : Mr.V.Jaya Prakash Narayanan State Government Pleader
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by The Hon'ble Chief Justice) The grievance of the petitioner was that funds meant for allocation by way of subsidies may have been misappropriated by government officials and, despite the petitioner's complaints, no action was taken against the errant officials.
2. The State has filed a status report indicating that a preliminary inquiry into the conduct of the relevant officials was conducted and, thereupon, several of the officials chargesheeted and departmental proceedings commenced against them. The State says that such proceedings are at an advanced stage and, depending on the extent of involvement of the concerned official, varied charges have been levelled against them.
3. It is hoped that the matter is taken to its logical conclusion and by taking strict action against those found to be involved in corrupt practices.
4. Though the writ petitioner seeks an adjournment, there is no need to adjourn the matter any further. In a public interest litigation, the role of the petitioner is that of an informant. It is for the Court to proceed with the matter thereafter, subject to the Court seeking further assistance from the petitioner. In this case, the Court is satisfied that appropriate steps have been taken and departmental action is about to follow.
5. In such circumstances, W.P.No.24452 of 2019 is disposed of without any order as to costs.
Sd/- Assistant Registrar(CS IX) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar
bbr To:
1.The Principal Secretary, The Government of Tamilnadu, Agricultural Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Director, Agriculture Department, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.
3.The Deputy Director of Agriculture, Agriculture Department, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.
4.The District Collector, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.
5.The Assistant Director of Agriculture, Harur Block, Dharmapuri District.
+1cc to M/s.C.Prabakaran, Advocate Sr.12623 +1cc to the Government Pleader Sr.12504 W.P.No.24452 of 2019 jp-II[co] srg 15/03/2021