G.Pankajam v. The Secretary

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :30.03.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY G.Pankajam ... Petitioner vs.

1. The Secretary Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Higher Education, St.George Fort, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Vice Chancellor, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai - 625 021.

3. The Registrar, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai - 625 021.

4. The Principal, Madurai Kamaraj University, Alagar Koil Road, Madurai - 625 002.

... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, direct the respondents 2 to 4 to consider the representation submitted by the petitioner dated 21-02-2026 and thereby regularise the compassionate ground consolidated pay appointment of the petitioner from 23-09-2016 1/7

i.e from the date of appointment order as mandated by the statutory orders, and further appoint the petitioner against a suitable regular post with all consequential service benefits, along with arrears of pay and allowances.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Muralikrishnan For R1 : Mr.N.Sathish Kumar Additional Government Pleader For R2 to R4 : M/s.I.Abisha Isaac *****

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing respondents 2 to 4 to consider the representation submitted by the petitioner dated 21.02.2026 and to regularise the petitioner's compassionate appointment on consolidated pay from 23.09.2016, i.e., from the date of the appointment order, as mandated by the statutory provisions. The petitioner also seeks appointment to a suitable regular post with all consequential service benefits, including arrears of pay and allowances. 2/7

2. Mr. N. Sathish Kumar, learned Additional Government Pleader, takes notice for the first respondent. Ms. I. Abisha Isaac, learned counsel, takes notice for respondents 2 to 4.

3. By consent of both parties, the writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission.

4. The petitioner's husband was working as a Key Punch Operator and unfortunately passed away on 16.08.2014. The petitioner submitted a representation seeking compassionate appointment within three years from the date of his death. The respondents considered her application and issued an appointment order on consolidated pay of Rs. 5,000/- per month with effect from 26.09.2016. The petitioner now seeks regularisation of her service.

5. The second respondent, by communication dated 23.07.2025, stated that since the petitioner had already been appointed on consolidated pay, she is not entitled to further consideration for 3/7

regularisation. This reasoning reflects non-application of mind. Once the petitioner was appointed on compassionate grounds and taken into service, the respondents ought to have verified her records and considered her for regularisation.

6. Another ground cited in the said communication is that the petitioner sought compassionate appointment beyond three years. This is also incorrect, as the petitioner had applied within three years from the date of her husband's death. Therefore, this condition cannot be cited to reject her claim for regularisation. Therefore, this Court is of the considered opinion that the communication issued by the respondents is based on erroneous reasoning.

7. The learned counsel appearing for respondents 2 to 4 submitted that the petitioner has not furnished the required documents to establish her eligibility for the post. The same must be submitted for consideration of her candidature.

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8. In view of the above, the petitioner is directed to re-submit her certificates and other documents in Form I and Form II within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Upon such submission, the respondents are directed to consider the same and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law within four weeks thereafter. Since the petitioner had submitted a representation to the Hon'ble Chief Minister's Cell within the stipulated period of three years, the cut-off date shall be reckoned from the date of CM Cell representation.

9. With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

30.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes am 5/7

To

1. The Secretary Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Higher Education, St.George Fort, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Vice Chancellor, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai - 625 021.

3. The Registrar, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai - 625 021.

4. The Principal, Madurai Kamaraj University, Alagar Koil Road, Madurai - 625 002.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

am ORDER MADE IN DATED :30.03.2026 7/7