Suresh Ponkumar v. The Conservator Of Forest / Field Director

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.04.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BATTU DEVANAND W.P.(MD)No.13002 of 2025 Suresh Ponkumar ...Petitioner Vs.

The Conservator of Forest/Field Director, Mundandurai Tiger Reserve Forest, Kalakadu, Tirunelveli District.

...Respondent

Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent to take necessary steps to dispose the petitioner's Appeal dated 19.12.2024 by following the Principles of Natural Justice.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Suresh Kumar For Respondent : Mr.N.Satheesh Kumar Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

Heard, the learned Counsel for the petitioner, learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondent and perused the materials available on record.

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2. The petitioner is working as Forest Range Officer in the respondent Department. A proceedings are initiated against the petitioner under Section 17(b) of the TamilNadu Civil Servants (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules. After completion of the enquiry, he was punished by the Deputy Director Wildlife Forester, Kalakadu Division by an order to recover the loss amount to the Government from his retirement benefits. The said order was passed on 26.11.2024. Aggrieved by the said punishment order, the petitioner filed an Appeal before the respondent on 19.12.2024. The said appeal is pending for the last four months before the respondent. The petitioner is going to retire on 30.04.2025 on attaining the age of superannuation. But the appeal is not disposed of till date. Aggrieved by the same, the present writ petition is filed.

3. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, in our considered view, without going into merits of the case, this writ petition can be disposed of with the consent of both sides with certain directions to the respondent to meet the interest of justice.

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4. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondent to dispose of the appeal preferred by the petitioner on 19.12.2024 by following due process of law, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order .

There shall be no order as to costs.

28.04.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No GVN 3/4

BATTU DEVANAND, J.

GVN To, The Conservator of Forest/Field Director, Mundandurai Tiger Reserve Forest, Kalakadu, Tirunelveli District.

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