Dr.K.Karthikeyan, v. The Government Of Tamil Nadu,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 29-01-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR Dr.K.Karthikeyan, No.B-4, Silver Springs, III Street, Nanganallur, Chennai-600 061.
..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep by Principal Secretary, Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat Chennai- 600009.
2. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Rep by Chairman, No.76, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032.
3. Anti Corruption Movement, Rep. by its General Secretary, 155, Konnur High Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai-23.
..Respondent(s) (R3-impleaded as per order, dated 22.02.2024 in WMP.5205/2017 in WP.65/2017)
PRAYER : To call for records relating to the order No.TNPCB/ Per/ CS/ 14116/ 2014 dated 19.10.2016 issued by the second respondent and quash the same as being illegal, without jurisdiction, arbitrary and unconstitutional and consequently direct the Respondent to settle the terminal and service benefits due to the petitioner on basis of his retirement with effect from 18.10.2016 from the services of the Respondent Board with interest For Petitioner(s):
Mr.A.V.Arun for M/s.Y.Prakash, R.Vinoth Kumar, R.Sidharth, S.Vaiduriya, K.Antony Micheal Ponraj, R.Kamalesh For Respondent(s):
Mr. V.Veluchamy, Addl. Govt.Pleader For R1.
M/s. Madhuri Donti Reddy, Standing Counsel for R2 M/s. N. Subramaniyan R.Vivek and L.Jamunarani for R3
ORDER
The petitioner challenges the Charge Memo dated 19.10.2016 issued by the second respondent, alleging misconduct on the part of the petitioner while serving as District Environmental Engineer, Chennai.
2. The Charge Memo was challenged primarily on the ground that it was not issued within the stipulated period.
3. Though the writ petition was admitted, no interim order was granted staying the operation of the Charge Memo. During the pendency of the writ
petition, the disciplinary authority, based on the inquiry report submitted by the Inquiry Officer, passed an order of punishment against the petitioner on 05.03.2024. The said order of punishment has been assailed by the petitioner before the Principal Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department. In view of the fact that the impugned Charge Memo has culminated in the passing of the final order of punishment, the Charge Memo has merged with the order of punishment. Consequently, nothing survives for further adjudication in the present writ petition.
4. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that no statutory appeal lies against the order of punishment passed by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, and therefore sought liberty for the petitioner to approach this Court by filing a fresh writ petition challenging the order of punishment.
5. In the light of the above submission, this Writ Petition stands disposed of, reserving liberty to the petitioner to challenge the order of punishment dated 05.03.2024 before this Court by filing a fresh writ petition, in accordance with law, and to raise all grounds urged in the present writ petition. No costs. Consequently, the connected W.M.P.No.80 of 2017 is closed. 29-01-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order
DIXIT To
1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep by Principal Secretary, Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat Chennai- 600 009.
2. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Rep by Chairman, No.76, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032.
3. Anti Corruption Movement, Rep. by its General Secretary, 155, Konnur High Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai-23.
HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.
DIXIT 29-01-2026