A.Ramesh v. The Chairman And Managing Director
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 21.11.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P.Nos.42096 & 42098 of 2024 1.A.Ramesh 2.C.Murugan 3.K.Palani .....
Petitioners Vs 1.The Chairman and Managing Director TANGEDCO, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2.The Chief Engineer (Personnel) Tamilnadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
.....
Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records of the 2nd respondent in Memo.No.45574/G.19/G.191/2017-2, dated 22.11.2024 quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to select and appoint the petitioner to the post of Technical Assistant (Electrical) through internal selection on the date of on which their juniors are appointed with all service and other monetary benefits.
For Petitioners : Mrs.Dakshayani Reddy Senior Counsel for Mrs.S.Suneetha For Respondents : Mr.K.Rajkumar Standing Counsel
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order dated 22.11.2024 passed by the second respondent, thereby rejecting the request made by the petitioners for promotion to the post of Technical Assistant (Electrical). 2.Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.
3.The first petitioner was appointed as Field Assistant and was subsequently promoted to the post of Commercial Assistant. The second petitioner was appointed as Assessor and was subsequently promoted to the post of Inspector of Assessment. The third petitioner was also appointed as Assessor and was subsequently promoted to the post of Inspector of Assessment. While the petitioners were in service, they acquired Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Periyar Maniammai University during the period 2009-2012 by undergoing the course in part time. 4.As far as the post of Technical Assistant is concerned, as per the regulations, the same can be filled up by internal selection on ratio of 1 : 1 along with direct recruitment. The prescribed qualification for appointment to the
post of Technical Assistant is Diploma in Engineering. Therefore, the petitioners submitted representations seeking appointment by internal selection to the post of Technical Assistant. However, the said request was rejected on the ground that Periyar Maniammai University has not been accorded approval to conduct a part time Diploma Course through study centers. Further, the diploma certificate produced by the petitioners were not equivalent. 5.The learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners pointed out that, as per G.O.Ms.No.151, Higher Education (B1) Department, dated 04.05.2023, the Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Part Time) awarded by Periyar Maniammai University is equivalent to Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering for the purpose of employment in public services.
Further, the representation submitted by the petitioners was rejected on the ground that Periyar Maniammai University was not accorded any approval to conduct part time Diploma Course. 6.The proceeding of All India Council for Technical Education (hereinafter referred to as "AICTE") dated 31.01.
includes University/Institutions/Deemed to be universities and only after decision of the Hon'ble Supereme Court of India, it has been made mandatory for institutions deemed to be universities to obtain AICTE approval for conducting Technical Course. The AICTE has not granted any approval to conduct diploma programme in engineering to Periyar Maniammai University in part time mode through its study centre or off campus centre. It further reveals that only after the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India passed in the year 2017, it become mandatory to obtain approval from AICTE to conduct diploma programme in engineering.
7.Admittedly, the petitioners completed their Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Periyar Maniammai University in part time mode during the year 2009-2012. In view of the above, this Court finds infirmity in the order passed by the second respondent. Consequently, the same cannot be sustained and is liable to be quashed. 8.Accordingly, the order dated 22.11.2024 passed by the second respondent is hereby quashed. The respondents are directed to select and appoint the petitioners to the post of Technical Assistant (Electrical) by way of internal selection, with effect from the date on which the petitioners were
otherwise eligible and entitled to be selected, with all service benefits, except monetary benefits, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
9.In the result, this Writ Petition stands allowed. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitioners are closed. No costs. 21.11.2025 (2/2) Internet: Yes Index : Yes/No Lpp To 1.The Chairman and Managing Director TANGEDCO, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2.The Chief Engineer (Personnel) Tamilnadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN. J, Lpp (2/2) 21.11.2025