S.Celin Flora v. The Chief Educational Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P.(MD) No.21943 of 2025 and W.M.P.(MD) No.17031 of 2025 S.Celin Flora : Petitioner Vs.

1. The Chief Educational Officer, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2. The District Educational Officer, Dindigul District.

Dindigul.

3. The Headmaster, Durai Kamalam Government Model Higher Secondary School, Natham Kovilpatti, Dindigul District.

4. Mrs.Maria Rajathi, W/o Soloman, Durai Kamalam Government Model Higher Secondary School, Natham Kovilpatti, Dindigul District.

: Respondents P RAYER:

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents No.1 1/6

to 3 herein to allow the petitioner to discharge her duties as designated Assistant Headmaster in the 3rd respondent school as usual by considering her representation dated 23.06.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.J.Lawrance For Respondents : Mr.M.Siddharthan (R1 to R3) Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 herein to allow the petitioner to discharge her duties as designated Assistant Headmaster in the 3rd respondent school as usual by considering her representation dated 23.06.2025.

2. Since no adverse order is proposed to be passed against the fourth respondent, notice to the fourth respondent is dispensed with and this writ petition is disposed at the stage of admission itself.

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that she is not allowed to discharge her duties as designated Assistant Headmaster in the 3rd 2/6

respondent school. In this regard, the petitioner made a representation to the respondents dated 23.06.2025. Since the said representation was not considered till date, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition.

4. It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon him to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other, instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation by the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and direct them to consider the same within a stipulated time.

5. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 23.06.2025, on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks 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 respondents to consider the same on its own merits. 3/6

6. With the above observations and directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

12.08.2025 Index : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No Sm 4/6

To:-

1. The Chief Educational Officer, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2. The District Educational Officer, Dindigul District.

Dindigul.

3. The Headmaster, Durai Kamalam Government Model Higher Secondary School, Natham Kovilpatti, Dindigul District.

5/6

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

Sm W.P.(MD) No.21943 of 2025 12.08.2025 6/6