K.Sakthivel v. The Managing Director

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 23.12.2023 and to confirm the petitioner as a Maintenance Assistant based on G.O. Ms. No. 20, issued by the Disabled Persons Welfare Department, dated 24.07.2023, within the period stipulated by this Court.

¶2It is contended by the petitioner that he is working as a Maintenance Assistant in the Combined Water Supply Scheme at Palani. He further contended that he became disabled due to locomotor disability and claims that he is entitled to the 4% reservation accorded to persons with disabilities under G.O. Ms. No. 20, Disabled Persons Welfare Department, dated 24.07.2023. In this regard, he had submitted a representation dated 23.12.2023, which has not been considered till date by the respondents.

¶3On the contrary, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents would contend that the petitioner is only an employee of the contractor engaged by the Board and that the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board is a statutory body having separate Rules governing the mode of recruitment, etc. It is further contended that a contract employee working under a contractor cannot be equated with a regular employee and, therefore, would not be entitled to the benefits claimed by him.

¶4Be that as it may, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the matter and without going into the rival contentions, directs the respondents to consider and dispose of the petitioner's representation dated 23.12.2023 within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. However, it is made clear that this Court has not made any observations on the merits of the matter, and the petitioner's representation shall be dealt with on its own merits, independently and in accordance with law.

¶5Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

13.08.2026

Speaking / Non-speaking order Index : Yes/No KSA TO

¶1The Managing Director, Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board. 31, Kamarajar Salai, Cheppakam, Chennai - 600 005.

¶2The Administration Engineer, Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Maintenance Division, Annanagar, Dindigul.

RAJNISH PATHIYIL, J. KSA

13.08.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 13.08.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE RAJNISH PATHIYIL K.Sakthivel Petitioner Vs 1. The Managing Director, Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board. 31, Kamarajar Salai, Cheppakam, Chennai - 600 005. 2. The Administration Engineer, Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Maintenance Division, Annanagar, Dindigul. Respondents For Petitioner : M/s.T.Ramasamy For Respondents : Mr.R.Satheesh, Standing Counsel Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 23.12.2023 to confirm the petitioner as Maintenance Assistant from temporary based on the GO MS No.20 Disabled Person Welfare Department, dated 24.07.2023 within the period stipulated by this Court.