N.Sevvel v. The Agriculture Production Commissioner And Secretary To The Government
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.06.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH N.Sevvel ... Petitioner -vs1.The Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary to the Government, St. George Fort, Chennai.
2.The Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to pass final orders on the disciplinary proceedings, pursuant to the charge memo issue by the second respondent in his proceedings in Letter No.ONa2/2450/2021-6 dated 19.09.2023, on or before 30.06.2025.
For Petitioner : Mr.V.P.Rajan For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani Special Government Pleader
ORDER
The petitioner has filed this Writ Petition seeking a direction to the first respondent to conclude and pass final orders in the disciplinary proceedings initiated based on the charge memo issued by the second respondent in his proceedings bearing Letter No.O.Na2/2450/2021-6, dated 19.09.2023, on or before 30.06.2025.
2. By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. According to the petitioner, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him under Rule 17(b) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1975, by the second respondent, pursuant to which, a charge memo was issued. The petitioner submitted his explanation in response to the charges and an Enquiry Officer was appointed. The Enquiry Officer has since submitted his report. Despite the completion of the enquiry, no final orders have been passed by the respondents and the disciplinary proceedings have remained pending without any further progress. The petitioner is due to retire from service on 30.06.2025. However, if the disciplinary proceedings are not concluded before
that date, the petitioner apprehends that he may not be permitted to retire or receive his retirement benefits in accordance with law.
4. In this regard, the petitioner has made representations to the respondents requesting them to pass final orders in the disciplinary proceedings at the earliest, in view of his impending retirement. As no action has been taken by the respondents till date, the petitioner has been constrained to file the present Writ Petition seeking appropriate directions.
5. Heard both sides.
6. Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to conclude the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of two months 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 first respondent to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law.
7. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
NCC : Yes / No 18.06.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary to the Government, St. George Fort, Chennai.
2.The Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 18.06.2025