Mangai v. The State Of Tamil Nadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 20.08.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T.ASHA Mangai ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Principal Secretary to Government, Environmental, Climate Change and Forest Department, St.George Fort, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.
2. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of Forest Force, Guindy - Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai 600 032.
3. The District Forest Officer, Gudalur Forest Division, Gudalur, The Nilgiris District.
4. The Accountant General of Tamil Nadu, Office of the Accountant General, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018.
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5. The Treasury Officer, Sub-Treasury, Tirupattur, Tirupattur District ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 3 to 5 to disburse the petitioner husband viz., K.Shanmugam's (PPO No.R2121453) entitlement of Death Cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) amount a sum of Rs.3,61,816/- along with interest at the rate of 18% forthwith for protecting her livelihood.
For Petitioner : Mr.M.R.Jothimanian For Respondents-1 to 3 &5: Mr.C.Selvaraj Additional Government Pleader For Respondent-4 : Mr.P.Mano Rajan Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
The above writ petition is filed seeking a mandamus to the respondents to disburse the petitioner's husband viz., K.Shanmugam's (PPO No.R2121453) entitlement of Death Cum 2/6
Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) amount a sum of Rs.3,61,816/- along with interest at the rate of 18%.
2. The grievance of the petitioner is that her husband was appointed as a Forest Guard in the 3rd respondent-corporation and retired from service on attaining the age of superannuation on 31.05.2017. However, he has not been issued with retirement benefits for more than eight years. Though the 3rd respondent had recommended and the 4th respondent sanctioned the claim, the Treasury Officer had returned the same without valid reasons. Mean while, the petitioner's husband passed away on 20.05.2024. Despite repeated representations to the respondents, the payment was not released. Since the same has not been considered till date, the petitioner is constrained to approach this Court.
3. Heard the learned counsels on either side and perused the materials available on record.
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4. In the light of the fact that, despite the petitioner having retired 8 years ago, his retirement benefits have not yet been paid, a mandamus is issued to the respondents 3 to 5 to pay the retirement benefits along with interest @ 18% per annum from the date of retirement till the date of payment, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Accordingly, the writ petition stands allowed. No costs.
20.08.2025 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order : Yes / No srn To
1. The Principal Secretary to Government, State of Tamil Nadu, Environmental, Climate Change and Forest Department, St.George Fort, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.
2. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of Forest Force, Guindy - Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai 600 032.
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3. The District Forest Officer, Gudalur Forest Division, Gudalur, The Nilgiris District.
4. The Accountant General of Tamil Nadu, Office of the Accountant General, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018.
5. The Treasury Officer, Sub-Treasury, Tirupattur, Tirupattur District 5/6
P.T.ASHA, J., srn 20.08.2025 6/6