M.Ramachandran v. The Additional Chief Secretary To Government

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 11.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI M.Ramachandran ... Petitioner(s) vs.

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600009.

2. The Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar, Marine National Park, Collectorate Post, Ramanathapuram - 623503, Ramanathapuram District.

... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent i.e., the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department, Chennai to pass appropriate orders on the representation dated 29.05.2025 of the petitioner regarding grant of interest for belated payment of revised arrears of duty pay Dearness Allowance, Earned Leave and Unearned Leave on private affairs from the date of retirement i.e., 30.09.2000 till the date of payment i., 1/6

27.05.2025, within a specified time frame.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Visvalingam For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramanian Spl. Government Pleader

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed for issuance of a writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent i.e., the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department, Chennai to pass appropriate orders on the representation dated 29.05.2025 of the petitioner regarding grant of interest for belated payment of revised arrears of duty pay Dearness Allowance, Earned Leave and Unearned Leave on private affairs from the date of retirement i.e., 30.09.2000 till the date of payment i., 27.05.2025, within a specified time frame.

2. Heard Mr.S.Visvalingam, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.K.Balasubramanian, learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents.

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3. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

4. The grievance of the petitioner is that, pursuant to the directions of this Court dated 23.04.2024, the first respondent disbursed the revised arrears entitled to the petitioner on 27.05.2025, after a lapse of 25 years, even though the same ought to have been disbursed on the date of his superannuation i.e., 30.09.2000. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 29.05.2025 seeking the grant of interest on the belated arrears paid to the petitioner. However, since no action was taken on the said representation, the petitioner has now approached this Court by filing the present Writ Petition.

5. Learned counsel for the petitioner would further submit that the petitioner would be satisfied if a direction is issued to the first respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 29.05.2025 and pass appropriate orders thereon, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. 3/6

6. Considering the above facts and circumstances, without going into the merits of the case, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent, to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 29.05.2025 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after affording an opportunity of hearing to all the parties concerned. Such exercise shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six (6) 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 first respondent to consider the same on its own merits. No costs. 11.08.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes PKN 4/6

To

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600009.

2. The Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar, Marine National Park, Collectorate Post, Ramanathapuram - 623503, Ramanathapuram District.

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M.DHANDAPANI ,J.

PKN ORDER MADE IN DATED : 11.08.2025 6/6