Raji v. The Principal Secretary To Government
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 31.01.2023
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH Raji S/o.Kengi Reddy
...Petitioner
Vs 1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Government of Tamil Nadu, Energy Department, Fort St.George, Chennai - 9.
2.The Chairman, TANGEDCO, No.800, Anna Salai, Chennai - 2.
3.The Chief Engineer (Personnel), TANGEDCO, No.800, Anna Salai, Chennai - 2.
4.The Chief Engineer, Mettur, Thermal Power Station, TANGEDCO, Mettur, Mettur Dam, Salem District - 636 406.
... Respondents 1/6
PRAYER : Writ Petition filed Under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the fourth respondent authority herein to provide employment to the petitioner's daughter-in-law M.Hariharan S/o.Munusamy, in line with the orders given by the authorities on various dates.
For Petitioner : Mr.G.Thyagarajan For Respondents : Mr.E.Sundaram Government Advocate [R1] Mr.Anand Gopal Standing Counsel [R2 to R4] *****
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to provide employment to the daughter-in-law of the petitioner in line with the various orders already passed by the authorities.
2. The case of the petitioner is that a large extent of land including that of the petitioner was acquired for the purpose of extension of the Mettur Dam Thermal Power Station. At the time of acquisition, the land owners were informed that in lieu of the land that was acquired, either alternative lands will be given or compensation will be paid or employment will be given to persons, who have been displaced due to the acquisition. 2/6
3. The grievance of the petitioner is that the respondents have considered the similarly placed persons and have granted employment or have opted for the other alternatives. However, the petitioner has been asking for providing employment to his daughter-in-law and whatever the documents are sought for from the year 2016 have been given to the respondents and in spite of the same, there has been absolutely no response or final decision taken by the respondents. Left with no other alternative, the present writ petition has been filed before this Court.
4. Learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the respondents are considering the claim made by the land owners whose lands were acquired, on a case to case basis and wherever the requirements are fulfilled, alternative appointment is also given. Learned Standing Counsel submitted that the case of the petitioner will also be considered on its own merits and a final decision will be taken and will be informed to the petitioner within the time limit fixed by this Court.
5. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and also the fact that the matter has been hanging without a final decision 3/6
from the year 2016 onwards, there shall be a direction to the respondents 3 and 4 to take a final decision in accordance with law and inform the petitioner within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The petitioner is directed to make a fresh representation to the respondents 3 and 4 along with all relevant documents and also a copy of this order.
Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of with the above direction. No costs.
31.01.2023 (4/4) Index : Yes/No Speaking order:Yes/No gm 4/6
To 1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Government of Tamil Nadu, Energy Department, Fort St.George, Chennai - 9.
2.The Chairman, TANGEDCO, No.800, Anna Salai, Chennai - 2.
3.The Chief Engineer (Personnel), TANGEDCO, No.800, Anna Salai, Chennai - 2.
4.The Chief Engineer, Mettur, Thermal Power Station, TANGEDCO, Mettur, Mettur Dam, Salem District - 636 406.
5/6
N.ANAND VENKATESH, J gm Writ Petition No. 2290 of 2023 31.01.2023 6/6