A.Bhavani v. The Principal Secretary To Government
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 05.01.2026
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI A.Bhavani
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Director of Medical Education and Research, Directorate of medical Education and Research, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.
3.The Vice-Chancellor, Annamalai University, 4.The Registrar, Annamalai University, 5.The Dean, Government Medical College & Hospital, 1/8
6.The Principal, Government College of Nursing,
...Respondents
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st and 2nd respondents to absorb the petitioner into Tamil Nadu Medical Service under the Health and Family Welfare Department in an appropriate teaching position commensurate with her qualifications and 20 years of teaching experience, in view of implement the Academic Council decision dated 21.11.2015 and G.O.(Ms) No.16, Higher Education (H1) Department, dated 27.01.2021 and consequently redesignate and promote the petitioner to an appropriate higher academic position in Nursing as per applicable norms and qualifications and consequently directing the second respondent to consider the petitioner's candidature for the ongoing panel preparation process for the posts of Reader in Nursing and other appropriate positions for the year 2025-2026. For Petitioner : Mr.G.Pugazhenthi For Respondents : Mr.K.Tippu Sulthan, Government Advocate
ORDER
This writ petition is filed to direct the 1st and 2nd respondents to absorb the petitioner into Tamil Nadu Medical Service under the Health and Family Welfare Department in an appropriate teaching position 2/8
commensurate with her qualifications and 20 years of teaching experience, in view of implement the Academic Council decision dated 21.11.2015 and G.O.(Ms) No.16, Higher Education (H1) Department, dated 27.01.2021 and consequently re-designate and promote the petitioner to an appropriate higher academic position in Nursing as per applicable norms and qualifications and consequently directing the second respondent to consider the petitioner's candidature for the ongoing panel preparation process for the posts of Reader in Nursing and other appropriate positions for the year 20252026.
2. By consent of both the parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. The case of the petitioner is that she joined as Nursing Tutor GradeII on 19.10.2005 on a consolidated pay at Government College of Nursing, Cuddalore and her service was confirmed with effect from 30.01.2010. While serving the institution, she possessed the qualification of M.Sc., and Ph.D., in Nursing. Though she holds the advanced qualifications, she was kept at the same entry-level position of Nursing Tutor Grade-II. Under these 3/8
circumstances, the Academic Council of Annamalai University approved redesignation of Nursing Tutor Grade-II as Nursing Tutor, Lecturer as Assistant Professor and Reader as Associate Professor. Subsequently, the aforesaid institute was taken over by the Government of Tamil Nadu vide G.O.(Ms) No.16, Higher Education (H1) Department, dated 27.01.2021. Further, G.O (Ms) No.204, dated 26.10.2021 provided that the staff would continue their rolls in the aforesaid institute and their salary would be paid by the Government. Thereafter, the second respondent issued three letters, calling for panel preparation for the post of Principal, Reader in Nursing and Lecturer in Nursing. Since the petitioner was not absorbed into the Government service, she was considered as ineligible for the post of Reader in Nursing.
Hence, she made a representation dated 10.11.2025 to the respondents seeking immediate absorption into the Tamil Nadu Medical Service under the Health & Family Welfare Department and simultaneous promotion/re-designation to appropriate Higher Academic position. However, the said representation was not considered, as on date. Hence, this writ petition.
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4. Though many grounds have been raised in this writ petition, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that, it would suffice, if this Court issues direction to the second respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 10.11.2025.
5. Learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents would submit that the petitioner's representation dated 10.11.2025 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within a time frame that may be fixed by this Court.
6. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.
7. Considering the limited relief sought by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court without going into the merits of the case, directs the second respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 10.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
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With the aforesaid direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.
05.01.2026 vm Index : Yes/No Speaking order : Yes/No NCC : Yes/No To:
1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Director of Medical Education and Research, Directorate of medical Education and Research, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.
3.The Vice-Chancellor, Annamalai University, 4.The Registrar, Annamalai University, 6/8
5.The Dean, Government Medical College & Hospital, 6.The Principal, Government College of Nursing, 7/8
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
vm 05.01.2026 8/8