Madras High CourtWP(MD)/32489/2025disposed of

S.Jothibasu v. The Government Of Tamil Nadu Rep. By Its Secretary

2025-11-14Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 14.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE P.T.ASHA Writ Petition(MD)No.32489 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)No.25568 of 2025 S.Jothibasu ..Petitioner Vs 1.The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.

3.The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukkottai.

4.The Assistant Director (Panchayat), District Panchayat Office, The District Collector's Office Complex, Pudukkottai District.

5.The Block Development Officer, Aranthangi Union, Pudukkottai District.

6.The Special Officer, Mangalanadu Panchayat, Aranthangi Panchayat Union, Pudukkottai District.

..Respondents 1/6

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to settle the pending arrear Bills of Rs.15,07,482/- (Rupees Fifteen Lakhs Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Eighty-Two only) based on the recommendation made by the 5th Respondent dated 08.06.2023 and 20.11.2023 within the time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Rajarajan For Respondents : Mr.D.Sasikumar Addl. Govt. Pleader (for R1 to R5)

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to settle the pending arrear bills of Rs. 15,07,482/- (Rupees Fifteen Lakhs Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Eighty-Two only) based on the recommendations made by the fifth respondent dated 08.06.2023 and 20.11.2023, within the time frame to be fixed by this Court.

2. Mr.D.Sasikumar, learned Additional Government Pleader, takes notice for respondents 1 to 5. Since no adverse order is going to be passed as against the sixth respondent, notice to him is dispensed with. By consent, the writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

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3. The petitioner is a registered mid-level Government Contractor who executed the BT road work connecting the northern residential area to the Mandapam at Mangalanadu Village (R. Code No.1263) under the Aranthangi Panchayat Union, sanctioned by the District Collector, Pudukkottai, vide Na.Ka.No.1169/2020/A5(U) dated 29.07.2022, for a sanctioned amount of Rs.16,39,000/-. The petitioner asserts that the work was completed within the stipulated time and in accordance with the required quality standards. The Block Development Officer, Aranthangi, after due verification, recommended release of the final payment of Rs.15,07,482/- through letters dated 08.06.2023 and 20.11.2023. The Central Finance Commission Grant Account of Mangalanadu Panchayat is stated to show a balance of Rs. 29,55,756/- (as on 22.09.

2023), indicating that sufficient funds were available. However, despite the availability of funds and specific recommendations of the fifth respondent, the final bill has not been settled for more than two years, causing financial hardship to the petitioner. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed.

4. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for respondents 1 to 5 submits that the petitioner's representation will be considered in accordance with law.

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5. In view of the above, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, the respondents are directed to consider the petitioner's representation dated 06.11.2025 and pass final orders on its own merits, taking into account the proceedings of the sixth respondent, dated 08.06.2023 and 20.11.2023, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording reasonable opportunity to the petitioner.

6. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 14.11.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet:Yes skn To 1.The Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.

3.The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukkottai.

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4.The Assistant Director (Panchayat), District Panchayat Office, The District Collector's Office Complex, Pudukkottai District.

5.The Block Development Officer, Aranthangi Union, Pudukkottai District.

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P.T.ASHA, J.

skn Writ Petition(MD)No.32489 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)No.25568 of 2025 14.11.2025 6/6