K. Mani v. The Principal Secretary to Government

ORDER This writ petition has been filed seeking the following relief: "to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner representation dated 06.11.2023 in the light of recommendation of the 3rd respondent on 19.11.2025 to rectification of the retirement benefits of the petitioner."

¶2The brief facts of the case are as follows:-

2.1 The petitioner retired from service on 30.06.2014 on attaining the age of superannuation. Subsequent to his retirement, the petitioner learned that his immediate junior, namely Thomas, was granted two additional increments by the respondent department, consequently receiving a higher pay scale, enhanced pension, and retirement benefits. Despite being senior to the said Thomas and similarly situated in all material respects, the petitioner was arbitrarily denied the benefit of those two increments. This has resulted in lower fixation of the petitioner's pay, and a consequential reduction in his pensionary and other retirement benefits.

2.2 Seeking to rectify the said discrimination, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 06.11.2023 to the respondents, requesting a revision of his pay, pension, and retirement benefits on par with his junior. Pursuant to the said Page3 of 5 representation, the 3rd respondent conducted a detailed enquiry and subsequently forwarded the petitioner's representation, along with a positive recommendation, to the 2nd respondent as early as 19.11.2025 for passing appropriate orders.

2.3 Thereafter, the petitioner submitted several reminders to the respondents, requesting the expeditious disposal of his representation and to rectify the discriminatory denial of his dues. The petitioner's last such reminder was sent on 30.06.2026. However, despite the lapse of considerable time, no action has been taken by the respondents on the petitioner's representations/reminders. Aggrieved by this prolonged inaction on the part of the respondents, the petitioner has approached this Court by way of filing the present Writ Petition.

¶3Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

¶4Considering the relief now sought for by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the 2nd respondent to consider the representation dated 06.11.2023, on merits and in Page4 of 5 accordance with law and to pass appropriate orders, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, taking into account the recommendation of the 3rd respondent dated 19.11.2025.

¶5Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

06.08.2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order skt To:

¶1The Principal Secretary to Government, Home, Prohibition and Excise (Prison) Department, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai – 600 009.

¶2The Director General of Prison & Correctional Service, Chennai – 600 008.

¶3The Superintendent of Prisons, Central Prison, Cuddalore – 1. Page5 of 5

P.T.ASHA, J. skt

06.08.2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 06.08.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA K.Mani ..Petitioner(s) Vs. 1. The Principal Secretary to Government, Home, Prohibition and Excise (Prison) Department, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai – 600 009. 2. The Director General of Prison & Correctional Service, Chennai – 600 008. 3. The Superintendent of Prisons, Central Prison, Cuddalore – 1. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioner representation dated 06.11.2023 in the light of recommendation of the 3rd respondent on 19.11.2025 to rectification of the retirement benefits of the petitioner. For Petitioner(s): Mr.V.Janarthanan For Respondent(s): Mr.S.Ilamvaludhi, Special Government Pleader Page2 of 5