Madhavi v. The Director of Public Libraries,

Order This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to forthwith prepare and publish the promotion panel for promotion from the post of Librarian Grade II / Stock Verification officer to the post of Librarian Grade I against the vacancies that arose consequent upon the promotion of 23 Librarian Grade I officers as District Library offices by proceedings dated 12.03.2026 and consequently consider granting promotion to the petitioner in accordance with his seniority and eligibility and promote her as Librarian Grade I before her retirement on 31.07.2026, to enable her to get consequential service and pensionary benefits."

¶2The petitioner was appointed as a Librarian Grade III on

30.04.1998. Thereafter, the petitioner was promoted as Librarian Grade II on 14.02.2017. The petitioner would submit that he is due to retire from service on 31.07.2026. He would further submit that 23 vacancies arose in the cadre of Librarian Grade I. The respondents published the final Page3 of 5 seniority list on 01.01.2025 in respect of Librarian Grade II / Stock Verification Officers wherein his name has been assigned Serial No.47. While so, the first respondent, by proceedings dated 12.03.2026, promoted 23 Librarian Grade I Officers to the post of District Library Officers. Consequently, 32 vacancies arose in the cadre of Librarian Grade-I. Though more than three months have lapsed, the respondents have not taken any steps to prepare the promotional panel or fill up the vacancies in the cadre of Librarian Grade-I. Therefore, in this regard, the petitioner made a representation on 29.06.2026 to the respondents. Since there is no response, the petitioner is before this Court.

¶3Heard the learned counsels on both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶4Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the fact that the petitioner's representation dated 29.06.2026 has not been considered to date, a direction is issued to the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Page4 of 5

¶5With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 27-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN To To

¶1The Director of Public Libraries, Directorate of public Libraries, No 737/1 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002

¶2The District Library officer District Library office, Salem District Page5 of 5 P.T.ASHA J. SRN 27-07-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 27-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA Madhavi ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Director of Public Libraries, Directorate of public Libraries, No 737/1 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002 2. The District Library officer District Library office, Salem District ..Respondent(s) PRAYER : Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying to issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to forthwith prepare and publish the promotion panel for promotion from the post of Librarian Grade II / Stock Verification officer to the post of Librarian Grade I against the vacancies that arose consequent upon the promotion of 23 Librarian Grade I officers as District Library offices by proceedings dated 12.03.2026 and consequently consider granting promotion to the petitioner in accordance with his seniority and eligibility and promote her as Librarian Grade I before her retirement on 31.07.2026, to enable her to get consequential service and pensioner benefits within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. Page2 of 5 For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.Purushothman For Respondent(s): Mr.AR.Balaji Government Advocate