Kumar v. The State Of Tamil Nadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 05.12.2024

CORAM

THE HON'BLE Mr. JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN W.P.No.34230 of 2024 Kumar Village Panchayat President, Keezh Kumaramangalam Village Panchayat, Cuddalore Panchayat Union, Cuddalore District.

.. Petitioner Vs.

1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Department of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai - 9.

2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Cuddalore District.

.. Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 26.10.2024. For Petitioner .. Mr.K.Shanmugam For Respondents .. Mr.V.Nanmaran, Additional Government Pleader.

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed in the nature of a Mandamus seeking a direction against the respondents, particularly, the 2nd respondent, the District Collector, Cuddalore, to examine a representation given by the petitioner on 26.10.2024.

2.In the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, it had been stated that the petitioner is the Village Panchayat President of Keezh Kumaramangalam Village Panchayat, Cuddalore Panchayat Union, Cuddalore District. He had been functioning for nearly four years. It had been stated that the panchayat consists of 9 ward members and has a population of 5000 people. It is contended that there are many functions and duties which are to be discharged, like collection of house tax, water tax, business tax, processing the applications for approval of buildings and licence for shops and maintaining the records and there are also other works like, maintaining and protecting properties of the panchayat such as buildings, drinking water tanks, motor pumps, street lights etc. It is stated that the Secretary had retired in March 2023. It is contended that the post of secretary is kept vacant for the past twenty months.

3.The learned counsel for the respondents was requested to get necessary instructions. It is stated that one Devanathan, Secretary of Puthukadai Panchayat Union, has been granted additional charge to function as secretary of Keezh Kumaramangalam Panchayat. But that is only a temporary arrangement. The 2nd respondent / the District Collector, Cuddalore, may endeavour to follow necessary procedure in accordance with law and ensure that a secretary is appointed for the Keezh Kumaramangalam Village Panchayat, immediately when the recruitment process is completed. The 2nd respondent may endeavour to ensure that the post is filled up without any delay after the recruitment process. 4.With the above observations, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

05.12.2024 Index:Yes/No Internet:Yes/No smv

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

smv To 1.The Secretary to Government, Department of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai - 9.

2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Cuddalore District.

W.P.No.34230 of 2024 05.12.2024