G.Anniyappan v. The State of Tamil Nadu

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- "Directing the respondents to consider the petitioners claim in respect of notional promotion in the post of forest guard on par with his junior by including his name in the panel drawn for the year 2003-2004 with effect from

31.05.2004 by considering the petitioners representation dated 08.05.2026 within time limit to be stipulated by this Hon'ble Court."

¶2The petitioner was appointed as a Plot Watcher on daily wage basis on

01.02.1983, and his name was subsequently included in the Statewide Seniority List. Pursuant to G.O.Ms.No.95, his services were regularised and brought under the regular time scale of pay with effect from 07.08.2009. However, his juniors were appointed as Forest Watchers on 24.01.1995.

¶3The petitioner would submit that similarly placed employees approached this Court seeking appointment as Forest Watchers on par with their juniors. Their writ petitions were allowed, and the Department's appeals were dismissed by the Division Bench. The respondents thereafter implemented the orders in favour of those employees.

¶4Thereafter, the petitioner had also submitted a representation and filed a writ petition seeking similar relief. The writ petition was disposed of with a Page3 of 5 direction to appoint him as Forest Watcher on par with his juniors. In compliance, the respondents had issued the order appointing the petitioner as Forest Watcher with effect from 08.03.1999, instead of 24.01.1995, on the ground that G.O.Ms.No.64 restoring the qualification of ability to read and write in Tamil came into force only on that date. However, several juniors were appointed with effect from 24.01.1995 despite lacking the prescribed educational qualification.

¶5As the petitioner's appointment was reckoned only from 08.03.1999, his claim for further promotion was denied. Aggrieved by this, he had filed another writ petition challenging G.O.Ms.No.40 and sought appointment as Forest Watcher with effect from 24.01.1995 instead of 08.03.1999. The writ petition was allowed, and the respondents accordingly appointed him as Forest Watcher with effect from 24.01.1995. Thereafter, the petitioner had submitted a representation dated 08.05.2026 seeking notional promotion. However, the said representation has not been considered to date. Hence, the Writ Petition.

¶6Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the records. By consent of the learned counsel on either side, the matter was taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission.

Page4 of 5

¶7Considering the relief sought by the petitioner and in the absence of any serious objection from the learned counsel appearing for the respondents, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider and pass appropriate orders on the petitioner's representation dated

08.05.2026, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶8Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 17-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SHR To

¶1The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Additional Chief Secretary to Government, environment, climate change and forest department, Fort.St.George, chennai-9.

¶2The principal chief conservator of forest (Head of Forest Force), Forest head quarters, velachery main road, guindy, chennai -32. Page5 of 5 P.T.ASHA J. SHR 17-07-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA G.Anniyappan ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep. By Its Additional Chief Secretary To Government, Environment, Climate Change And Forest Department, Fort.St.George, Chennai-9. 2. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forest (Head Of Forest Force), Forest Head Quarters, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai -32. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioners claim in respect of notional promotion in the post of forest guard on par with his junior by including his name in the panel drawn for the year 2003- 2004 with effect from 31.05.2004 by considering the petitioners representation dated 08.05.2026 within time limit to be stipulated by this Hon'ble Court. For Petitioner(s): Mr.K.Jenitha For Respondent(s): Mr.K.Sathish, Govt. Advocate Page2 of 5