N.J.Paul Raj v. The Agricultural Production Commissioner / Secretary To Government,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 16.12.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI N.J.Paul Raj ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The Agricultural Production Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Agriculture-Farmers Welfare Department, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.
2.The Director, Agriculture Department, Chepauk, Chennai-600 005.
... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the first respondent to consider and dispose of the appeal submitted by the petitioner dated 28.10.2025 on merits within a reasonable time fixed by this Court. For Petitioner :
Mr.G.Sudangan For Respondents :
Mr.T.M.Rajangam Government Advocate
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the first respondent to consider and dispose of the appeal submitted by the petitioner dated 28.10.2025 on merits within a time fixed by this Court.
2. The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner was appointed as Agricultural Officer on 24.10.1994 and was subsequently promoted as Assistant Director of Agriculture. Thereafter, he was given temporary promotion and posted as Deputy Director of Agriculture/P.A (Agri) to the Collector, Kallakurichi. Due to serious health issues, he could not join immediately and availed medical leave from 02.10.2020 to 20.11.2020 after due intimation and thereafter, he extended leave by availing earned leave from 21.11.2020 since his wife and children subsequently fell ill. Meanwhile, he was re-posted as Deputy Director (Agri. Business), Theni and joined duty on 11.01.2021. However, a show cause notice dated 11.12.2020 was issued alleging non-joining of duty and violation of Rules 20(1) and 20(2) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1973. Despite submitting a detailed explanation on 12.01.2021, the
second respondent imposed a punishment of increment cut for six months without cumulative effect, through proceedings dated 18.01.2024. Thereafter, the petitioner preferred an appeal dated 28.10.2025 for setting aside the punishment order, however, no order has been passed till date. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed.
3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that it would suffice, if the first respondent is directed to dispose of the appeal filed by the petitioner dated 28.10.2025, on merits and in accordance with law, within a specified period.
4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents has no serious objection for such an order being passed by this Court.
5. Considering the limited request made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the matter, directs the first respondent to consider the appeal filed by the petitioner dated 28.10.2025 and dispose of the same on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
16.12.2025 NCC: Yes / No Index : Yes / No Speaking Order : Yes / No ssb To
1. The Agricultural Production Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Agriculture-Farmers Welfare Department, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.
2.The Director, Agriculture Department, Chepauk, Chennai-600 005.
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
ssb 16.12.2025