S.Sekar v. The State Of Tamil Nadu
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 14.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH S.Sekar ... Petitioner -vs1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by its Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Director of Elementary Education, College Road, Egmore, Chennai.
3.The Chief Educational Officer, O/o. The Chief Educational Office, 4.The District Educational Officer, The District Educational Office, Paramakudi, 5.The Block Educational Officer, O/o. The Block Educational Office, Kamuthi, ... Respondents
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the fourth respondent to pay the full salary of the period from November 2021 to January 2023 and remaining salary of the period from August 2023 to February 2024 to the said periods based on the representations given by the petitioner, dated 16.09.2024 and 30.11.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sivaprakash For Respondents : Mr.M.Siddharthan Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the fourth respondent to pay the full salary for the period from November 2021 to January 2023 and the remaining salary for the period from August 2023 to February 2024, based on the petitioner's representations dated 16.09.2024 and 30.11.2024.
2. According to the petitioner, he joined Government Service as a 'Grade - II Teacher' on 10.10.1996 at O. Karisalkulam, Kodangipatti, Ramanathapuram District and was later promoted as Headmaster of the Panchayat Union Elementary School, Kadambankulam, Kamuthi Union. He has rendered over 28 years of unblemished and dedicated service. On 06.04.2018, due to sudden
stomach pain, he left the school under the care of his co-teacher, Sheeba. It was later alleged under Rule 17(b) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules that the school was found closed at 03:25 PM during a surprise visit by the District Elementary Educational Officer. The petitioner submitted a detailed explanation dated 24.04.2018, but without due consideration of the same, salary was withheld from May 2018 onwards without adducing any reasons. Despite submitting a representation dated 06.06.2018, seeking release of salary and partial GPF withdrawal, no response was received. Hence, the present Writ Petition.
3. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submits that a disciplinary enquiry is currently pending against the petitioner in connection with the alleged misconduct. The respondents are taking necessary steps to complete the enquiry and it is assured that the same will be concluded within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
4. In view of the submissions made by both sides, this Court is of the opinion that the disciplinary proceedings should be brought to a logical
conclusion at the earliest. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents to complete the enquiry pending against the petitioner and pass final orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. NCC : Yes / No 14.07.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Principal Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu, School Education Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Director of Elementary Education, College Road, Egmore, Chennai.
3.The Chief Educational Officer, O/o. The Chief Educational Office, 4.The District Educational Officer, The District Educational Office, Paramakudi,
5.The Block Educational Officer, O/o. The Block Educational Office, Kamuthi,
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 14.07.2025