K.Ravi v. The State Of Tamilnadu

2024:MHC:5652

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 07.12.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.S.RAMESH K.Ravi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep., by its Secretary to Government, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 9.

2.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Joint Forest Management, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai - 32.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, direction to the 1st respondent to dispose the petitioner's appeal dated 08.01.2018 in respect to include his name in the State-wide Seniority List and to regularise his service in the Supernumerary post of Plot Watcher.

For Petitioner : M/s.K.Jenitha For Respondents : Mr.M.Bindran Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

With the consent of both parties, the 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 1st respondent herein to dispose of the appeal preferred by the petitioner dated 08.01.2018 within a stipulated time.

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 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 the Constitution of India.

4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the

1st respondent herein to dispose of the petitioner's appeal petition dated 08.01.2018, if not already disposed of, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner, as well as all other persons who may be interested in the subject property, 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.

07.12.2023 Jeni Index : Yes / No Speaking order / Non-speaking order To 1.The Secretary to Government, The State of Tamil Nadu, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 9.

2.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Joint Forest Management, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai - 32.

M.S.RAMESH , J.

Jeni 07.12.2023