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Madras High CourtWP/46146/2025disposed of with direction

S.Sridharan v. The Additional Chief Secretary To Government

2025-12-02Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-12-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and WMP No. 51467 of 2025 S.Sridharan Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government Home (Tr-II) Department, Secretariat Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Principal Secretary / Transport And Road Safety Commissioner, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

3.The Deputy Transport Commissioner O/o.The Deputy Transport Commissioner, Salem Zone, Salem-636 005.

Respondent(s) PRAYER; This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to include the petitioners name in the temporary list for promotion from the post of Regional Transport Officers to the post of Deputy Transport Commissioners in his proceedings in G.O. (Ms) No.467 Home (Transport-II) Department dated 09.09.2025.

For Petitioner:

M/s.M.P.Dhamodaran For Respondent:

Mr.Baladhandayutham, SGP

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st respondent to include the petitioners name in the temporary list for promotion from the post of Regional Transport Officers to the post of Deputy Transport Commissioners in his proceedings in G.O. (Ms) No.467 Home (Transport-II) Department dated 09.09.2025

2. It is the case of the petitioner that while he was serving as Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) Grade-I in the Regional Transport Office, Chennai North East, a joint surprise inspection was conducted on 21.04.2010 and thereby on the same, Inspection Report was submitted to the RTO, Chennai North East. In the instance, inspection of the said inspection, the inspecting authority mentioned that a sum of Rs.3240/- was recovered from the petitioner's office table drawer. Hence, the inspecting authority, submitted the inspection report to the RTO, Chennai North East for further enquiry and proceedings and subsequently, charge sheet has been filed. Therefore, the petitioner filed a writ petition before this Court in WP.No.18590 of 2013 and W.P.No.33083 of 2016 and this Court passed a common order dated 16.10.2019 directing the first respondent to conduct enquiry within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. As the first respondent did not conduct enquiry for the past 12 years, the petitioner made a representation dated 22.09.2025 to

the first respondent to conduct enquiry and pass final orders. Pending the said representation, the petitioner has come up with the present writ petition.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the first respondent has caused a bar on the petitioner's promotional avenue from the present post of RTO to the post of Deputy Transport Commissioner. However, he submitted that it would suffice if this Court issues a direction to the first respondent to conduct enquiry and pass appropriate orders within the time stipulated by this Court.

4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the petitioner's request will be considered by the first respondent and appropriate orders will be passed within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

5. Heard the learned counsel for both side and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the fact that charge sheet has been filed in the year 2013 and enquiry is pending for more than 12 years. This Court is of the view that departmental enquiry pending against the petitioner has to be expedited. Therefore, this court directs the first respondent to conduct enquiry and pass

orders on the departmental enquiry initiated against the petitioner within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs. 02-12-2025 rli Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To 1.The Additional Chief Secretary To Government Home (Tr-II) Department, Secretariat Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Principal Secretary / Transport And Road Safety Commissioner, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

3.The Deputy Transport Commissioner O/o.The Deputy Transport Commissioner, Salem Zone, Salem-636 005.

M.DHANDAPANI J.

rli 02-12-2025