Mathvin Ramnath S v. The General Manager

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 01.04.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH S.Mathvin Ramnath : Petitioner Vs.

1. The General Manager, Tamilnadu Grama Bank, Administrative Office, Salem.

2. The Assistant General Manager, HRM Department, Tamilnadu Grama Bank, Administrative Office, Salem.

3. The Bank Manager, Tamilnadu Grama Bank, Othakadai Branch, Madurai.

: Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to unfreeze the petitioner's Tamilnadu Grama Bank SC/ST Employees Welfare Association (TNGB SEWA) account in Old Savings Account 1/6

number in No.10093998742 and existing Account No.10244312021 maintained at the third respondent's branch by considering the petitioners representation in letter No.TNGB SEWA/06/CY-2025, dated 13.03.2025. For Petitioners : Mr.R.Sureshkumar For Respondents : Mr.N.Dilip Kumar

O R D E R

This Writ Petition seeks a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to unfreeze the petitioner's savings accounts (old account No. 10093998742 and existing account No.10244312021) at Tamilnadu Grama Bank SC/ST Employees Welfare Association, based on the petitioner's representation dated 13.03.2025.

2. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The petitioner claims that he is the current General Secretary of the Tamilnadu Grama Bank SC/ST Employees Welfare Association. Due to an internal dispute between the Treasurers and the petitioner, the former Treasurer requested the bank to freeze the 2/6

Association's savings account. However, due to alleged irregularities committed by the former Treasurer, a new Treasurer has been appointed to the Association. Consequently, the petitioner submitted a detailed representation to unfreeze the Association's account. Since no action has been taken, the petitioner has now filed the present Writ Petition.

4. Heard both sides.

5. It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon him to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other, instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation by the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and direct them to consider the same within a stipulated time.

6. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation 3/6

dated 13.03.2025, on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner, as well as all other persons, who may be interested in the subject matter, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is also made clear that this Court has not expressed any of its views with regard to the merits of the matter and that it is open to the respondents to consider the same on its own merits.

7. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 01.04.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN 4/6

To

1. The General Manager, Tamilnadu Grama Bank, Administrative Office, Salem.

2. The Assistant General Manager, HRM Department, Tamilnadu Grama Bank, Administrative Office, Salem.

3. The Bank Manager, Tamilnadu Grama Bank, Othakadai Branch, Madurai.

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VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.

PKN W.P.(MD) No.8698 of 2025 01.04.2025 6/6