C.V.Dhurairaj v. The Deptuty Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated: 30.10.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH C.V.Dhurairaj ... Petitioner Vs 1 The Deputy Secretary, Ministry Of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs (PG Cell) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

2 The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, No.12, Thambusamy Road, Kilpauk, Chennai- 600010.

3 The Zonal Managar/ Deputy Collector, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Tiruppur Zone.

4 Neelakannan 5 Selvakumar 6 Mathyas 7 Sakthivel ... Respondents 1/4

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to conduct a through investigation into the illegal activities of the respondents 4 to 7 and initiate departmental proceedings against the officials involved in the misappropriation of funds based on petitioner's representation dated 27.06.2023.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Kousik For Respondents : Mr.K.S.Jeyaganeshan (R1) Senior Panel Counsel Mr.C.Selvaraj (R2 and R3) Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

Mr.K.S.Jeyaganeshan, learned Senior Panel Counsel accepts notice for R1 and Mr.C.Selvaraj, learned Special Government Pleader accepts notice for R2 and R3 and they are armed with instructions to enable final disposal of this Writ Petition, even at the stage of admission. No notice is thought necessary at this juncture to private respondents, viz., R4 to R7, whose interests are protected by virtue of this order.

2. The petitioner has sought a mandamus directing the second respondent being the Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation to conduct an investigation into the activities of the private respondents, which he claims are illegal.

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3. The petitioner prays for initiation of disciplinary proceedings against officials as they are involved, according to him, in misappropriation of funds. The petitioner has also made a representation dated 27.06.2023 to similar effect.

4. Mr.C.Selvaraj, learned counsel for R2/R3, the latter being the Zonal Manager/Deputy Collector, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Tiruppur Zone would accede to the receipt of the petitioner's representation dated 27.06.2023 and would submit that in light of the allegations that have been made, prompt action will be taken.

5. Hence, mandamus is issued directing R3 to cause enquiry, hear the petitioner as well as the private respondents and pass orders on the representation of the petitioner on merits and in accordance with law within a period of twelve (12) weeks from date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. This Writ Petition stands disposed as above. No costs. sl 30.10.2023 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order 3/4

Dr.ANITA SUMANTH, J.

sl To 1 The Deputy Secretary, Ministry Of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs (PG Cell) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

2 The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, No.12, Thambusamy Road, Kilpauk, Chennai- 600010.

3 The Zonal Managar/ Deputy Collector, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Tiruppur Zone.

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