S.M Settu v. The Secretary to Government

O R D E R Mr. M. Sivavarthanan, learned Government Counsel, accepts notice for the respondents. Page Nos.3/5

¶2The petitioner challenges the order dated 10.03.2026 passed under Section 205(11) of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, by which he was removed from the office of President on allegations of irregularities and misappropriation. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner has filed a statutory appeal under Section 205(12) of the Act, pursuant to the liberty granted by this Court in W.P. No.12205 of 2026.

¶3According to the petitioner, he appeared before the first respondent through his counsel on 01.04.2026. His counsel also advanced arguments on

06.07.2026, and the hearing was concluded. The grievance of the petitioner is that, despite completion of the hearing, the appeal has not yet been disposed of. It is also submitted that the petitioner's tenure as President will expire in about two months.

¶4Learned Government Counsel, on instructions, submits that the appeal will be disposed of within the time that may be fixed by this Court.

¶5In view of the above submission, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to consider and dispose of the petitioner's appeal dated 01.04.2026, on its own merits and in accordance with Page Nos.4/5 law, within a period of three weeks from today, i.e., on or before 20.08.2026.

¶6Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

30.07.2026 Speaking / Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No mk Note: Issue order copy on 31.07.2026 To

¶1The Secretary to Government Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department Fort St.George Chennai-9.

¶2The Inspector of Panchayats and District Collector Ranipet District Ranipet.

¶3The Assistant Director (Panchayats) Ranipet District Ranipet.

¶4The Block Development Officer (VP) Arcot Panchayat Union Arcot & Post Ranipet District. Page Nos.5/5 HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J., mk

30.07.2026

Page Nos.1/5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 30.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR and W.M.P.No.33294 of 2026 S.M.Settu S/o.Mari ... Petitioner vs. 1. The Secretary to Government Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department Fort St.George Chennai-9. 2. The Inspector of Panchayats and District Collector Ranipet District Ranipet. 3. The Assistant Director (Panchayats) Ranipet District Ranipet. 4. The Block Development Officer (VP) Arcot Panchayat Union Arcot & Post Ranipet District. … Respondents Page Nos.2/5 Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying a writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the show cause notice issued by the third respondent under Section 205(1) of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994 but signed by the second respondent in Na.Ka.No.A2/1211/2024 dated 06.08.2025 and the final orders of the second respondent passed in Na.Ka.No.A2/1211/2024 dated 10.03.2026 and the consequent Tamil Nadu Gazette Notification dated 13.03.2026 and quash the same and consequently, direct the second respondent to restore the petitioner to the post of the President of Sathur Village Panchayat, Arcot Panchayat Union, Ranipet District. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Kamadevan For Respondents : Mr.M.Sivavarthanan Government Counsel *****