N. Jeeva Lakshmi v. The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. By Its Secretary

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :04.06.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE MUMMINENI SUDHEER KUMAR and W.M.P.(MD) Nos.10302 & 10303 of 2026 N. Jeeva Lakshmi ... Petitioner Vs

1. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep., By its Secretary, Department of School Education, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Director of School Education, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

3. The Accountant General, Office of the Accountant General (A and E), 361, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai - 600 018.

4. The District Educational Officer (Elementary Education), Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District.

5. The Block Educational Officer, Srivilliputhur Union Virudhunagar District - 628 905.

... Respondents 1/7

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to the impugned order passed by the 5th respondent Block Educational Officer in Na.Ka.No.227/A3/2017 dated 24.12.2025, quash the same, and further direct the respondents to disburse forthwith the petitioner's retirement benefits in the post of Middle School Headmaster on the basis of her last drawn pay of Rs. 1,73,350/-.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Ragatheesh Kumar For M/s.Isaac Chambers For R1, 2 , 4 & 5 : Mrs.K.Porkodi Government Counsel For R3 : Mr.P.Gunasekaran

O R D E R

Mrs.K.Porkodi, learned Government Counsel, takes notice for the respondents 1, 2, 4 and 5. Mr.P.Gunasekaran, learned counsel takes notice for the third respondent.

2. With the consent of both sides, this writ petition is disposed of at the admission stage.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned 2/7

Government Counsel and counsel appearing for the respondents.

4. The present writ petition has been filed by the petitioner aggrieved by the proceedings in Na.Ka.No.227/A3/2017 dated 24.12.2025, whereby the pension proposals of the petitioner were refused to be forwarded to the office of the Accountant General on three grounds: (i) firstly, on the ground that the grade pay of the petitioner has been fixed at Rs.5,400/-. However, the Accountant General, Chennai, has asked for re-submitting the proposals refixing the grade pay at Rs.4,700/-; (ii) secondly, on the ground that there was an audit objection with regard to the incentive increment that was awarded in favour of the petitioner for acquiring B.Ed. Decree while the petitioner was working as a Middle School Headmaster; (iii) thirdly, the writ petition in W.P.(MD) No.65 of 2024 filed by the petitioner is pending before this Court.

5. Insofar as the first ground is concerned, the said issue has been resolved by the coordinate bench by this Court in W.P.(MD) No.12275 of 2024 and batch, dated 02.03.2026. Hence, the same cannot be a ground to withhold the pension proposals of the petitioner. Insofar as the audit 3/7

objection with regard to the incentive increment is concerned, admittedly the same is the subject matter in W.P.(MD) No.65 of 2024 and it is likely to take considerable time. By stating the same, the petitioner would be deprived of the entire terminal benefits and pension indefinitely.

6. In the circumstances, this Court is of the considered view that it is appropriate to direct the respondents to process the pension proposals of the petitioner notwithstanding the pendency of W.P.(MD) No.65 of 2024 and further, without giving the benefits of the incentive increment awarded in favour of the petitioner for acquiring B.Ed.decree while working as a Middle School Headmaster. Hence, the petitioner would be paid the undisputed terminal benefits and pension. However, in case the petitioner succeeds in W.P.(MD) No.65 of 2024, ultimately the respondents may have to submit the revised pension proposal and terminal benefits of the petitioner.

7. In the circumstances, the fifth respondent is directed to submit the pension proposal of the petitioner to the Accountant General, duly excluding the incentive increment awarded in favour of the petitioner for 4/7

having acquired B.Ed.decree and to process the same duly taking into consideration the orders passed in W.P.(MD) No.12275 of 2024 and batch dated 02.03.2026 as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On submission of the said proposal, the Accountant General shall process the same and pass appropriate orders within the further period of six (6) weeks in accordance with law.

8. This Writ Petition is disposed of, with above directions. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. NCC : Yes/No 04.06.2026 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No apd To

1. The Secretary, Department of School Education, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Director of School Education, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

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3. The Accountant General, Office of the Accountant General (A and E), 361, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai - 600 018.

4. The District Educational Officer (Elementary Education), Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District.

5. The Block Educational Officer, Srivilliputhur Union Virudhunagar District - 628 905.

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MUMMINENI SUDHEER KUMAR .,J.

apd ORDER MADE IN 04.06.2026 7/7