S.Panchavarnam v. The Director Of Elementary Education
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 16-12-2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Panchavarnam ..Petitioner Vs
1. The Director of Elementary Education DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai-600 009.
2. The District Educational Officer (Elementary), Chengalpattu Distrct, Chengalpattu.
3. The Block Educational Officer St Thomas Mount Block @ Sitlapakkam, Chengalpattu District.
..Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pass orders for granting incentive increment to the petitioner for acquiring B.Lit., B.Ed and M.A (Tamil) acquired prior to G.O.Ms.No.37, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department dated 10.03.2020 along with reasonable interest for delay in payment of incentive increment till date of payment, with all consequential and other attendant benefits, based on the representation lastly submitted by the petitioner dated 18.09.2025 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. __________Page 1 of 6
For Petitioner :
Mr.S.Nedunchezhiyan For Respondents :
Ms.Mythraye Chandru Special Government Pleader
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents to pass orders for granting incentive increment to the petitioner for acquiring B. Lit., B.Ed and M.A.(Tamil), prior to G.O.(Ms).No.37, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, dated 10.03.2020 along with reasonable interest for delay in payment of incentive increment till the date of payment, with all consequential and other attendant benefits, based on the representation submitted by the petitioner dated 18.09.2025 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
2. The petitioner was initially appointed as a Secondary Grade Teacher in the year 1995 and was subsequently promoted as Headmaster in 2007. During her service, she acquired additional qualifications such as B.Lit in the year 2000, M.A.Tamil in 2009 and B.Ed in 2014. The same were properly entered in her Service Register. However, her request for incentive increments for the additional degrees was rejected on the ground that prior permission was not obtained.
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3. Though vide G.O.Ms.No.42 issued in the year 1969 and G.O.Ms.No.1023 and 1024 issued in the 1993, the teachers are eligible for incentive increments for acquiring higher qualifications, limited to two such increments in their career, certain clarifications and modifications were made in the policy and by G.O.Ms.No.37 dated 10.03.2020, the scheme of incentive increment was withdrawn. However, the said Government Order allowed for grant of increments for degrees acquired prior to the date of issuance of the Government order ie., 10.03.2020.
4. Relying on the aforesaid Government Order dated 10.03.2020 and the orders passed by this Court in W.A.(MD).No.975 of 2024 and W.A.(MD) No.1052 of 2024, the petitioner has approached this Court seeking for a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant incentive increment to the petitioner for acquiring higher qualification.
5. Heard Mr.S.Nedunchezhian, learned counsel for the petitioner and Ms.Mythraye Chandru, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.
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6. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that it would suffice, if the respondents are directed to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 18.09.2025 and dispose of the same, on merits and in accordance with law, within a specified period.
7. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents has no serious objection for such an order being passed by this Court.
8. Considering the limited request made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the matter, directs the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 18.09.2025 and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
9. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
16-12-2025 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order ssb __________Page 4 of 6
To
1. The Director of Elementary Education DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai-600 009.
2. The District Educational Officer (Elementary) Chenglapattu District, Chengalpattu.
3. The Block Educational Officer St.Thomas Mount Block @ Sitlapakkam, Chengalpattu District.
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M.DHANDAPANI, J.
ssb 16-12-2025 __________Page 6 of 6