K. Dhanasekari v. The Secretary To Government

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 23.10.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Mr. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P.No.44444 of 2025 K. Dhanasekari .....

Petitioner Vs

1. The Secretary to Government, Tamilnadu School Education Department, 2.The Joint Director, Tamil Nadu School Education Department, 3.The Chief Educational Officer (CEO) Office of the Chief Educational Officer, Kallakurichi District-606 213.

4.The District Educational Officer (DEO) O/o.The District Education Officer, Kallakurichi District.

5. The Head Master, Government High School, Thozhuvanthangal, Kallakurichi District.

.....

Respondents 1/4

Prayer : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to sanction and grant maternity leave to the petitioner for her pregnancy, for the period from 07.10.2025 to 06.10.2026 by considering her representation dated 10.10.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Vadivalagia Nambi For Respondents : Mrs.Mythreye Chandru Special Government Pleader

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to sanction and grant maternity leave to the petitioner for her pregnancy for the period from 07.10.2025 to 06.10.2026.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

3. The petitioner is now working as B.T. Assistant in the fifth respondent school. She got married and has delivered two daughters. Thereafter, once again she became pregnant and is now in the ninth month of pregnancy. She is entitled to the benefits of maternity leave in accordance with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Therefore, the petitioner 2/4

applied for leave on 06.10.2025. However, it is pending without consideration.

4. In view of the above, the second and third respondents are directed to consider the leave application seeking maternity leave for the petitioner and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

23.10.2025 Index:Yes/No Lpp To

1. The Secretary to Government, Tamilnadu School Education Department, 3/4

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

Lpp 2.The Joint Director, Tamil Nadu School Education Department, 3.The Chief Educational Officer (CEO) Office of the Chief Educational Officer, Kallakurichi District-606 213.

4.The District Educational Officer (DEO) O/o.The District Education Officer, Kallakurichi District.

5. The Head Master, Government High School, Thozhuvanthangal, Kallakurichi District.

23.10.2025 4/4