P.Pichai Pillai v. The Director

O R D E R This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents to pay a sum of Rs.1,43,967/- due to the petitioner as gratuity together with interest by considering the representation of the petitioner dated 03.01.2026.

¶2It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner, who had joined the service of the respondents, had retired from service on 31.07.2014. He was settled all the dues except a sum of Rs.1,43,967/- towards gratuity amount. The second respondent has issued proceedings on 19.11.2018 stating that the petitioner had failed to collect value of milk supplied to agents during 2013-14 to the tune of Rs.1,43,967/- and therefore, the amount was with-held and the same was communicated to him only on 30.08.2022. The Assistant General Manager (Admin) has sent a communication stating that the enquiry was still pending and only after the report / findings were available, the amount could be paid. However, no enquiry is pending. Hence, the petitioner made a representation on 03.01.2026, to the respondents seeking payment of Rs.1,43,967/- towards gratuity together with interest, however, the same has not been considered. Hence, this writ petition has been filed.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice, if the respondents are directed to dispose of the representation of the petitioner dated 03.01.2026 on merits and in accordance with law, within a specified period.

¶4The learned counsel appearing for the second respondent has no objection for such an order being passed by this Court.

¶5Since no adverse order is going to be passed against the respondent Nos.1 and 3, notice to the respondent Nos.1 and 3 is dispensed with.

¶6In view of the limited request made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 03.01.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶7Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

19.02.2026

NCC: Yes / No Index : Yes / No Speaking Order : Yes / No ssb To

¶1The Director, Milk Producers and Milk Procurement Development Authority, Office of the Commissioner, Aavin House, Nandanam, Chennai.

¶2The General Manager, Villupuram Cuddalore District, Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited, Villupuram.

¶3The Deputy Registrar (Dairy Development), Office of the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Milk Socialites, Near Law College Architecture, Behind Chennai Silks, Villupuram, Villupuram Taluk, Villupuram District.

M.DHANDAPANI, J. ssb W.P.No.5712 of 2026

19.02.2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 19.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P.No.5712 of 2026 P.Pichai Pillai ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The Director, Milk Producers and Milk Procurement Development Authority, Office of the Commissioner, Aavin House, Nandanam, Chennai. 2. The General Manager, The Villupuram Cuddalore District, Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited, Villupuram. 3. The Deputy Registrar (Dairy Development), Office of the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Milk Societies, Near Law College Architecture, Behind Chennai Silks, Villupuram, Villupuram Taluk, Villupuram District. … Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to pay the petitioner Rs.1,43,967/- due as gratuity amount together with interest by considering the petitioner's representation dated 03.01.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.D.Baskar For Respondents : Mr.S.Arun Kumar Standing Counsel for R2