V.Jayapriya v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 03.10.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.B. BALAJI Writ Petition No.37817 of 2025 V.Jayapriya
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Villupuram District.
2.The Personal Assistant to the District Collector (Panchayat Development) Office of the District Collector, Villupuram District.
3.The Block Development Officer, Mailam Block, Kooteripattu, Thindivanam, Villupuram District.
... Respondents Prayer:
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 11.09.2025 and 25.09.2025 thereby directing the 1st to 3rd respondents to sanction maternity leave benefits for the petitioner's pregnancy from 29.09.2025 to 28.09.2026 with full pay and all other 1/5
benefits that she is duly entitled as the said benefit is being availed by the petitioner for the first time in her service. For Petitioner : Mr.C.Iyyappa Raj For Respondents : Mr.P.Balathandayutham Special Government Pleader
ORDER
The present writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, by considering the petitioner's representations dated 11.09.2025 and 25.09.2025, thereby directing respondents 1 to 3 to sanction maternity leave benefits for the petitioner's pregnancy from 29.09.2025 to 28.09.2026 with full pay and all other benefits that she is duly entitled to, since this is the first occasion on which the petitioner seeks to avail such benefit during her service.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader for the respondents.
3. The petitioner seeks sanction of Maternity Leave benefits for the period from 29.09.2025 to 28.09.2026 along with full pay and other benefits. According to the petitioner, she has not availed the said 2/5
entitlement for her two previous deliveries and this is the first time she seeks to exercise the benefit during her service.
4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents states that the petitioner's representations will be considered on merits and in accordance with law.
5. The learned counsel for the petitioner places reliance on the decision of this Court in the case of Giruba C.V.Chevalsan Vs. The State, Rep.by The Commissioner, made in W.P.No.17847 of 2025 dated 15.05.2025, where this Court, following the ratio laid down in C.Kohila Vs. The Additional Chief Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat and four others made in W.P.(MD).No.23455 of 2024 dated 21.01.2025, directed that the petitioner's representation therein be considered. In view of the same, the learned Special Government Pleader states that the petitioner's representation will be considered in the light of G.O.No.84 and appropriate orders will be passed on merits and in accordance with law.
6. In view of the above, considering that the petitioner asserts she 3/5
has not availed the benefit in respect of her earlier two children and that this is her first application seeking maternity leave benefits, the 2nd respondent shall consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.09.2025 objectively and pass appropriate orders within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
7. In fine, the writ petition stands disposed of. However, there shall be no order as to costs.
03.10.2025 kak To 1.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Villupuram District.
2.The Personal Assistant to the District Collector (Panchayat Development) Office of the District Collector, Villupuram District.
3.The Block Development Officer, Mailam Block, Kooteripattu, Thindivanam, Villupuram District.
4/5
P.B. BALAJI , J kak W.P. No.37817 of 2025 03.10.2025 5/5