T.Padmini v. The District Collector

Order The petitioner seeks to challenge the order dated 21.11.2025 passed by the 1st respondent and seeks a direction to reinstate her into service.

¶2The petitioner was appointed as a Noon Meal Organizer by order of the 1st respondent dated 29.01.2016 and she had joined the services in the Panchayat Elementary School, Bommikuppam, Mottur on 10.02.2016.

¶3The Panchayat Union Commissioner, by order dated 31.05.2022, had transferred the petitioner to the 2nd respondent as a Noon Meal Organizer, as she had been discharging her duties diligently. While so, nearly four months ago, four persons claiming to be Social Activists known to one Bhavani, who is a Cooking Assistant entered the School and videographed the kitchen by using a mobile phone. It appears that this group had entered the School pursuant to the statement made by one Monishkumar a 7th Standard student belonging to Schedule Caste with reference to the serving of eggs. The Instagram video was also circulated. Page3 of 5

¶4While so, the Personal Assistant of the 1st respondent had visited the School on 17.11.2025 and enquired with the petitioner. Immediately thereafter she was served with the impugned order dated 21.11.2025 removing her from service. The petitioner is aggrieved by the said order, as the same has been passed without issuing her with any show cause notice or giving her an opportunity to put forward her case.

¶5Heard the learned counsels on either side and perused the materials available on record.

¶6A perusal of the impugned order would clearly show that no notice whatsoever has been issued to the petitioner nor has the petitioner been given an opportunity to submit her explanation. In fact, a reading of the impugned order does not disclose the reasons for terminating the petitioner. Since the respondents have failed to adhere to the principle of natural justice, the impugned order cannot be sustained. Page4 of 5

¶7Accordingly, the impugned order dated 21.11.2025 is set aside and the writ petition is allowed as prayed for. It is open to the respondents to initiate action against the petitioner by following due process of law, if so advised. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 11-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN To

¶1The District Collector Tirupattur District, Tirupattur, Pin Code-635 653.

¶2The Head Master Government Higher Secondary School, Bommikuppam, Tirupattur Taluk, Tirupattur District, Pin Code-635 653. Page5 of 5 P.T.ASHA J. SRN and W.M.P.No.8055 of 2026 11-03-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 11-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA and W.M.P.No.8055 of 2026 T.Padmini W/o.J.Thiyagarajan Bommikuppam Tirupattur Tirupattur District Pin Code 635 653. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector Tirupattur District, Tirupattur, Pin Code- 635 653. 2. The Head Master Government Higher Secondary School, Bommikuppam, Tirupattur Taluk, Tirupattur District, Pin Code- 635 653. ..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records from the first respondent relating to the order bearing No. Na.Ka. No. B.F.1/ 1087/ 2025 dated 21.11.2025 and quash the same and consequently to direct the respondents to reinstate the petitioner with continuity of service and other attendant benefits. Page2 of 5 For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Ayyathurai For Respondent(s): Mr.P.Ganesan, Additional Government Pleader