S.G.Kalidas v. The Sub-Collector Cum Revenue Divisional Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.13698 and 13699 of 2025 S.G.Kalidas ... Petitioner -vs1.The Sub-Collector cum Revenue Divisional Officer, Periyakulam, Theni District.

2.The Enquiry Officer / Office Manager (Criminal), District Collectorate, Theni, Theni District.

... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the departmental proceedings initiated in Na.Ka.No.497/2020/A2 dated 17.08.2020, on the file of the first respondent and the evidence recorded on 06.05.2025 by the second respondent in the said proceedings and to set aside the evidence recorded on 06.05.2025 by the second respondent in the departmental enquiry, as being contrary to law, principles of natural justice and procedurally unfair and consequently, direct the first respondent to appoint a new Enquiry Officer in place of the second respondent.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Srikanth For Respondents : Mr.S.R.A.Ramachandran Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed calling for the records relating to the departmental proceedings initiated in Na.Ka.No.497/2020/A2 dated 17.08.2020, on the file of the first respondent and the evidence recorded on 06.05.2025 by the second respondent in the said proceedings and to set aside the said evidence as being contrary to law, violative of the principles of natural justice and procedurally unfair and consequently, to direct the first respondent to appoint a new Enquiry Officer in place of the second respondent.

2. Today, when the matter was taken up for hearing, Mr.S.R.A.Ramachandran, learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the enquiry is scheduled to be conducted on 02.07.2025 [today] by the first respondent and that the proceedings will be completed within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court.

3. Recording the aforesaid submission, the Writ Petition is disposed of, with a direction to the first respondent to complete the enquiry proceedings within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The petitioner is permitted to recall the witnesses, if so advised, in accordance with law. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

NCC : Yes / No 02.07.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Sub-Collector cum Revenue Divisional Officer, Periyakulam, Theni District.

2.The Enquiry Officer / Office Manager (Criminal), District Collectorate, Theni, Theni District.

VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.

smn2 02.07.2025