Asst.Prof.X.Inba Sekaran v. The Government Of Tamil Nadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 17.11.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P. No.8094 of 2025 Asst. Prof. X. Inba Sekaran ... Petitioner

Versus

1.The Government of Tamil Nadu, Represented by its Secretary, Department of Law, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

2.The Director, Directorate of Legal Studies, Purusawakkam, Kilpauk, Chennai - 10.

3.The Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110 002.

... Respondents Prayer :

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, pleased to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the first and second respondents to include the petitioner's name in the promotion list for post of Associate

Professor in the light of Career Advancement Scheme of third respondent's Regulations issued in the year 2010 or 2018 and on support of G.O.(Ms).No.231 dated 10.06.2016 issued by first respondent by considering representation dated 15.12.2022 and consequently direct the 1 st and 2 nd respondents to pay monetary benefits with interest of 10% per annum to petitioner on the delayed payment dues w.e.f . 2017.

For Petitioner : Mr. I. Arockia Selvaraj For Respondents : Mr. Yogesh Kannadasan, (for R1 and R2) Special Government Pleader.

: Ms. V. Sudha (for R3)

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the first and second respondents to include the petitioner's name in the promotion list for post of Associate Professor in the light of Career Advancement Scheme under the third respondent's Regulations issued in the years 2010 or 2018, and in support of G.O.(Ms).No.231 dated 10.06.2016, issued by the first respondent, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 15.12.2022. The petitioner has further sought a consequential direction to the first and second respondents

to disburse the monetary benefits with interest of 10% per annum towards the delayed payment w.e.f. 2017.

2.

Heard the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing on both sides and perused the materials available on record, including the G.O.(Ms.)No. 01, Law (LS) Department, dated 06.01.2025. 3.

On perusal of the records, it is seen that while pending writ petition, the first respondent has issued G.O.(Ms.).No.01, Law (LS) Department, dated 06.01.2025. As per the said G.O., the petitioner has been found ineligible for promotion to the post of Associate Professor, since possession of a Ph.D degree is a mandatory qualification. It is clearly stated at Serial No.7 Column No.4 in the Annexure to the G.O.(Ms.).No.01 dated 06.01.2025 that "Not eligible as the individual does not possess Ph.D Degree". 4.

However, it is also seen from the records that the date from which

the petitioner is eligible for movement from Academic Level - 11 with a rationalized entry pay of Rs.68,900/- to Academic Level 12 with a rationalized entry pay of Rs.79,800/- as recommended by Screening -cum- Evaluation Committee. Accordingly, the petitioner is entitled to the monetary benefits with effect from 01.08.2018. Nevertheless, since the petitioner does not possess a Ph.D degree, he is not eligible for promotion to the post of Associate Professor. Therefore, the relief sought in this writ petition for inclusion of the petitioner's name in promotion list to the post of Associate Professor cannot be granted. This Court finds no infirmity or illegality in the order passed by the first respondent.

5.

In view of the above, the Writ petition stands dismissed. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is also closed. 17.11.2025 Index : Yes/No

Speaking/Non-Speaking Order Neutral Case Citation : Yes/No klt To 1.The Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Law, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

2.The Director, Directorate of Legal Studies, Purusawakkam, Kilpauk, Chennai - 10.

3.The Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110 002.

4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN. J, klt and W.M.P. No.8094 of 2025 17.11.2025