V.Veerasamy v. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.14792 and 14793 of 2025 V.Veerasamy ... Petitioner -vs1.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Headquarters, Guindy-Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600032.
2.The Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Srivilliputhur - Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Madurai - 625002.
3.The District Forest Officer, Ramanathapuram Forest Division, Ramanathapuram.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the entire records of the first respondent pertaining to the impugned Ref.No.B2/32526/2023 dated 02.07.2025 and B2/32526/2023-2 dated 02.07.2025 quash the same as illegal and directing the first respondent promote the petitioner of Forest Range Officer, by
considering the petitioner's representation dated 02.04.2025, within the time stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.G.Sakthi Rao For Respondents : Mr.S.R.A.Ramachandran Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned promotion list dated 02.07.2025 and to direct the first respondent to promote the petitioner as 'Forest Range Officer', by considering his representation dated 02.04.2025, within the time frame stipulated by this Court.
2. By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. According to the petitioner, he was initially recruited and appointed as a 'Forest Guard' by direct recruitment in the Theni Forest Division on 22.10.2000 and was posted at Manalar Beat. The petitioner's service has been repeatedly appreciated by his superiors and his service was regularized with effect from 24.10.2000. Further, his probation was declared by the respondents with effect
from 22.10.2002. The petitioner states that the first respondent, vide proceedings dated 08.07.2022, called for particulars for the preparation of the panel list for promotion to the post of Forest Ranger for the year 2021-2022, fixing 15.08.2021 as the crucial date. At that time, the petitioner had not completed eight years of service and therefore, his name was not considered for promotion. However, the first respondent released the panel on 08.08.2022, including the names of juniors of the petitioner up to Serial No.327 based on extraneous considerations. The petitioner, despite being fully eligible and recommended by superiors, was excluded.
4. Thereafter, the first respondent issued another promotion panel dated 17.02.2023 and to the petitioner's shock and surprise, his name was again omitted. Further, many juniors and persons, who faced departmental charges, were included in the list. The petitioner submitted a representation on 20.03.2023 through proper channels, which was not considered. Hence, the petitioner filed W.P.(MD)No.6990 of 2023 before this Court. This Court, vide order dated 05.06.2024, observed that the petitioner's name would be considered if he fell within the zone of consideration for the next promotion. Despite the same, the
promotion list for 2023-2024 was published without including the petitioner's name. The petitioner made a further representation dated 02.04.2025, requesting to consider him for the upcoming promotion list. However, the first respondent published the Forest Range Officer promotion list vide Ref.Nos.B2/32526/2023 and B2/32526/2023-2 dated 02.07.2025 excluding the petitioner's name once again.
5. The petitioner submits that he possesses all the necessary qualifications and eligibility criteria and has more than eleven years of relevant experience. The repeated exclusion of his name from the promotion list is arbitrary, discriminatory and contrary to principles of natural justice. Hence, the petitioner has been compelled to file the present writ petition seeking appropriate relief.
6. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that although several grounds have been raised in the writ petition challenging the impugned promotion list, it would suffice if this Court directs the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.04.2025 and pass appropriate orders thereon, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
7. Heard both sides.
8. Considering the limited request made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.04.2025 on its own merits and in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders thereon, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner as well as all other persons, who may be interested in the subject matter, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
9. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed. NCC : Yes / No 17.07.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Headquarters, Guindy-Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600032.
2.The Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Srivilliputhur - Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Madurai - 625002.
3.The District Forest Officer, Ramanathapuram Forest Division, Ramanathapuram.
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 17.07.2025