T.Saraswathi, v. The Government of Tamil Nadu,

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of writ of mandamus, directing the Respondents 1 to 3 to pay the petitioner Rs.30,000/ - that was deducted from her lumpsum retirement benefit of Rs.1,00,000/ - paid at the time of her retirement on 31.01.2021, based on G.O.(2U).No.3, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, dated 10.03.2025, within a specified time.

¶2With the consent of the learned counsel appearing on either side, this Writ Petition is taken up for disposal at the admission stage.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner joined as a Noon Meal Organiser in the year 1989 and after rendering 32 years of service, retired on 31.01.2021 upon attaining superannuation. However, at the time of retirement, the respondent withhold Rs.30,000/- from the petitioner's terminal benefit on the ground, there was an audit objection for the year 2001-2017 to the tune of Rs.29,866/-. However, the very same audit objection for withholding the amount, the State Government vide G.O.(2U) No.3, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department dated 10.03.2025 issued a direction to drop the audit objection relating to the employees working under the Noon Meal Scheme for the period 1982-1983 to 2014-2015. Hence, the learned counsel would submit that this Court may extend the benefit of G.O.

(2U) dated 10.03.2025 in favour of the petitioner with a direction to the respondent to disburse the amount of Rs.30,000/- within a stipulated time. Page3 of 4

¶4In view of the same, this Court directs the respondents to disburse the amount of terminal benefits to the petitioner within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Failing which, the respondents are directed pay 16% interest to the petitioner.

¶5This Writ Petition is disposed of with the above terms. No costs. 20-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KKN To

¶1The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 600 009.

¶2Personal Assistant to District Collector, (Noon Meal Scheme), Office of the District Collector, Kancheepuram District, Kancheepuram.

¶3The Commissioner, Kundrathur Panchayat Union, Padapai, Chennai 601 301. Page4 of 4

M.DHANDAPANI, J. KKN 20-02-2026

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 20-02-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI T.Saraswathi ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 600 009. 2. Personal Assistant to District Collector, (Noon Meal Scheme), Office of the District Collector, Kancheepuram District, Kancheepuram. 3. The Commissioner, Kundrathur Panchayat Union, Padapai, Chennai 601 301. ..Respondent(s) Praryer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking issuance of writ of mandamus, directing the Respondents 1 to 3 to pay the petitioner Rs.30,000/ - that was deducted from her lumpsum retirement benefit of Rs.1,00,000/ - paid at the time of her retirement on 31.01.2021, based on G.O.(2U).No.3, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, dated 10.03.2025, within a specified time. For Petitioner(s): Mr.Krishnasamy R. For Respondent(s): Mr.T.M.Rajangam Government Advocate Page2 of 4