A.Marimuthupandian v. The Commissioner
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 11.09.2025
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA A.Marimuthupandian
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.
The Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai.
2.
The District Collector, Collector Office, Virudhunagar District.
...Respondents
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to dispose off the appeal of the petitioner dated 25.10.2024 within a time frame fixed by this Hon'ble Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.T.M.Mano For Respondents : Mr.Yogesh Kannadasan, Spl.GP 1/6
ORDER
This Writ petition has been filed seeking to direct the 1st respondent to dispose of the petitioner's appeal dated 25.10.2024 within the time frame fixed by this Court.
2. Mr.Yogesh Kannadasan, learned Special Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of the respondents. In view of the consent expressed by the learned counsel on either side, this Writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. The case of the petitioner is that he is employed as an Assistant in the Rural Development Department. While so, when the petitioner was serving at Thiruchuli Panchayat Union, he was issued with two charge memos dated 13.12.2022 and 18.01.2023 under Section 17(b) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1955, alleging obstruction of Subordinate officer and use of disrespectful language towards the Senior officer. Upon receipt of the said charge memos, the petitioner submitted a detailed reply on 27.02.2023. Ultimately, by order dated 2/6
07.10.2024, the 2nd respondent imposed a penalty of withholding the increment for three years with cumulative effect. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner preferred an appeal before the 1st respondent on 25.10.2024. Pending appeal, the petitioner was served with a letter of the District Collector, Virudhunagar dated 03.12.2024, relieving the petitioner from all duties, amounting to double punishment for the same charges, which is wholly illegal. Thereby, the petitioner submitted a reply/representation on 04.12.2024, and though the same was received by the 1st respondent on 05.12.2024, till date, no orders have been passed by the 1st respondent, either on the said reply dated 05.12.2024 or on the appeal dated 25.10.2024. Hence, this Writ petition.
4. Though very many grounds have been raised, the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that, it would suffice, if this Court issues direction to the 1st respondent to dispose of the appeal dated 25.10.2024 filed by the petitioner, as expeditiously as possible. 3/6
5. On the above said contentions, this Court, heard Mr.Yogesh Kannadasan, learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents and perused the materials available on record.
6. Considering the limited request made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court without going into the merits of the case, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal dated 25.10.2024 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after hearing the petitioner and aggrieved persons, if any.
7. With the above directions, this Writ petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
11.09.2025 skt Index : Yes/No Speaking order : Yes/No NCC : Yes/No 4/6
To:
1.
The Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai.
2.
The District Collector, Collector Office, Virudhunagar District.
5/6
A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA, J.
skt 11.09.2025 6/6