Dr.K.Karthikeyan, v. The Government of Tamil Nadu,

ORDER The petitioner challenges the Charge Memo dated 19.10.2016 issued by the second respondent, alleging misconduct on the part of the petitioner while serving as District Environmental Engineer, Chennai.

¶2The Charge Memo was challenged primarily on the ground that it was not issued within the stipulated period.

¶3Though the writ petition was admitted, no interim order was granted staying the operation of the Charge Memo. During the pendency of the writ Page3 of 5 petition, the disciplinary authority, based on the inquiry report submitted by the Inquiry Officer, passed an order of punishment against the petitioner on

05.03.2024. The said order of punishment has been assailed by the petitioner before the Principal Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department. In view of the fact that the impugned Charge Memo has culminated in the passing of the final order of punishment, the Charge Memo has merged with the order of punishment. Consequently, nothing survives for further adjudication in the present writ petition.

¶4Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that no statutory appeal lies against the order of punishment passed by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, and therefore sought liberty for the petitioner to approach this Court by filing a fresh writ petition challenging the order of punishment.

¶5In the light of the above submission, this Writ Petition stands disposed of, reserving liberty to the petitioner to challenge the order of punishment dated

05.03.2024 before this Court by filing a fresh writ petition, in accordance with law, and to raise all grounds urged in the present writ petition. No costs. Consequently, the connected W.M.P.No.80 of 2017 is closed. 29-01-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Page4 of 5 DIXIT To

¶1The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep by Principal Secretary, Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat Chennai-600

009.

¶2Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Rep by Chairman, No.76, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032.

¶3Anti Corruption Movement, Rep. by its General Secretary, 155, Konnur High Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai-23. WPoNo.o65oofo2017 HEMANToCHANDANGOUDAR,oJ. DIXIT WPoNo.o65oofo2017 29-01-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 29-01-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR Dr.K.Karthikeyan, No.B-4, Silver Springs, III Street, Nanganallur, Chennai-600 061. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep by Principal Secretary, Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat Chennai- 600009. 2. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Rep by Chairman, No.76, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032. 3. Anti Corruption Movement, Rep. by its General Secretary, 155, Konnur High Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai-23. ..Respondent(s) (R3-impleaded as per order, dated 22.02.2024 in WMP.5205/2017 in WP.65/2017) Page2 of 5 PRAYER : To call for records relating to the order No.TNPCB/ Per/ CS/ 14116/ 2014 dated 19.10.2016 issued by the second respondent and quash the same as being illegal, without jurisdiction, arbitrary and unconstitutional and consequently direct the Respondent to settle the terminal and service benefits due to the petitioner on basis of his retirement with effect from 18.10.2016 from the services of the Respondent Board with interest For Petitioner(s): Mr.A.V.Arun for M/s.Y.Prakash, R.Vinoth Kumar, R.Sidharth, S.Vaiduriya, K.Antony Micheal Ponraj, R.Kamalesh For Respondent(s): Mr. V.Veluchamy, Addl. Govt.Pleader For R1. M/s. Madhuri Donti Reddy, Standing Counsel for R2 M/s. N. Subramaniyan R.Vivek and L.Jamunarani for R3