N.Dhanapal v. The Director

Order This writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider and dispose of the petitioner's representation dated 29.05.2026 on merits and in accordance with law, particularly with reference to the Constitution (Puducherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964 and the Constitutional provisions governing reservation for Scheduled Castes in the Union Territory of Puducherry, before finalizing the panel / promotion to the post of Chief Pharmacist.

¶2The petitioner would submit that he is working as a Pharmacist (Allopathy) under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Puducherry. He belongs to the Adi-Dravida Community, which is recognized as a Scheduled Caste under the Constitution (Puducherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964. The first respondent issued an Office Memorandum dated 19.05.2026 calling for particulars for preparation of the promotion panel to the post of Chief Pharmacist. The petitioner's name is included in the eligibility list at Serial No.20. Page3 of 6

¶3According to the petitioner, one of the promotional vacancies is reserved for the Scheduled Caste category. The grievance of the petitioner is that the second respondent, who is placed at Serial No.18 in the seniority list, belongs to the Puthirai Vannan Community and is a migrant from the State of Tamil Nadu. The petitioner would submit that the second respondent is not entitled to claim the benefit of reservation meant for the Scheduled Castes recognized in the Union Territory of Puducherry. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 29.05.2026 requesting the first respondent to examine the eligibility of the second respondent before finalization of the promotion panel. Since no orders have been passed on the said representation, the present writ petition has been filed seeking the aforesaid relief.

¶4Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate(Puducherry) 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 29.05.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Page4 of 6

¶6With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 08-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN To The Director Directorate of Health and Family Welfare services, Government of Puducherry, Puducherry. Page5 of 6 P.T.ASHA J. SRN 08-07-2026 Page6 of 6

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 08-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA N.Dhanapal S/o.Narayanasamy, Pharmacist (Allopathy) Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post Graduate Institute, Government of Puducherry, ESI Quartz, Gandhi Nagar, Puducherry-605009 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Director Directorate of Health and Family Welfare services, Government of Puducherry, Puducherry. 2. N.Gopinath Pharmacist (Allopathy) Deputy Director - ESIC Puducherry. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider and dispose of the petitioners representation dated 29.05.2026 on merits and in accordance with law, particularly with reference to the Constitution (Puducherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964 and the Constitutional provisions governing reservation for Scheduled Castes in the Union Territory of Puducherry, before finalizing the panel/promotion to the post of Chief Pharmacist. Page2 of 6 For Petitioner(s): Mr.P.R.Thiruneelakandan For Respondent(s): Mr.M.Nirmal Kumar, Government Advocate (Puducherry)