T.Meenakshi Sundaram v. Government Of Tamil Nadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09.11.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH T. Meenakshi Sundaram ... Petitioner Vs.

1.Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by Secretary to Government, Transport Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam Limited), Peria Milagu Parai, Trichy Region, Kumbakonam.

3.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam Limited), Trichy Region, Trichy.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to consider the appeal petition dated April 2022 submitted by the petitioner against the order dated 06.12.2021 passed by the second respondent confirming the 1/4

order of punishment dated 20.08.2019 passed by the third respondent, on merits and in accordance with law by setting aside the order passed by the second respondent dated 06.12.2021.

For Petitioner : Mr.S. Sadasharam For Respondents : Mr.P. Ganesan, Government Advocate [R1] Mr.M. Murali Vinodh, Standing Counsel [R2 & R3]

ORDER

With the consent of both the parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. The limited prayer sought for in this Writ Petition is for a direction to the first respondent herein, to dispose of the appeal preferred by the petitioner in April 2022.

3. It is needless to point out that whenever a statutory appeal is preferred before the Appellate Authority, there is a duty cast on them to dispose of the appeal expeditiously. Non-compliance of such a responsibility 2/4

would amount to dereliction of duties and this Court would be justified in directing the authority to dispose of the appeal within a stipulated time, in exercise of its powers under Article 226 of Constitution of India.

4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the first respondent herein, to dispose of the petitioner's appeal dated April 2022, if not already disposed of, on its own merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

09.11.2023 Speaking/Non-speaking Order Index: Yes/No Internet: Yes/No Sni 3/4

M.S.RAMESH,J.

Sni To 1.Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Transport Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam Limited), Peria Milagu Parai, Trichy Region, Kumbakonam.

3.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam Limited), Trichy Region, Trichy.

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