T.Ramesh v. The Secretary to Government

Order This writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to appoint the petitioners in the post of Deputy block Development officer or any other equivalent post in the light of the representation made by the petitioners dated 04.10.2024.

¶2The petitioners would submit that they have completed Higher Secondary education, possess ITI qualification and valid driving licence. They belong to marginalized sections of society and their family lands were acquired for the establishment of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC). Pursuant to sponsorship through the Employment Exchange, the petitioners were appointed as Jeep Drivers under the Panchayat Union in the year 2008 and have rendered more than 16 years of unblemished service.

¶3According to the petitioners, there are no promotional avenues available in the cadre of Jeep Driver. Though they are eligible for appointment as Assistants, their present pay is higher than the pay scale applicable to the Assistant cadre due to their long years of service. They contend that in several similar cases, the respondents have relaxed the relevant Rules and granted suitable promotional opportunities to similarly placed employees. Earlier, in W.P. No. 1660 of 2022, this Court, by order dated 26.10.2022, directed the Page3 of 5 respondents to consider the petitioners' representation seeking appointment as Deputy Block Development Officers or to any other equivalent post within a period of twelve weeks. Pursuant to the said direction of this Court, the authorities issued proceedings dated 31.01.2022 rejecting their request. Thereafter, the petitioners submitted a representation dated 04.10.2024 to the respondents seeking appropriate remedial measures and promotional avenues. However, no decision has been taken on the same. Hence, the petitioners are before this Court.

¶4Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents.

¶5Considering the limited scope of the prayer sought in this writ petition, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated

04.10.2024 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Page4 of 5

¶6With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 16-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN To

¶1The Secretary to Government Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Fort St. George, Chennai

¶2The Director of Rural Development Panagal Maligai, Saidapet, Chennai 15

¶3The Collector Cuddalore District, Cuddalore WPoNo.o21725oofo2026 P.T.ASHAoJ. SRN WPoNo.o21725oofo2026 AND WMPoNO.o23534oOFo2026 16-06-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 16-06-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA 1. T.Ramesh 2. D. Rajendran ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Secretary to Government Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Fort St. George, Chennai 2. The Director of Rural Development Panagal Maligai, Saidapet, Chennai 15 3. The Collector Cuddalore District, Cuddalore ..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st Respondent to appoint the petitioners in the post of Deputy block Development officer or any other equivalent post in the light of the representation made by the petitioners dated 04.10.2024 For Petitioner(s): Mr.V.Vijayashankar For Respondent(s): Mr.K.Sathish, Government Advocate Page2 of 5