Jeya Anthoni.P v. The Managing Director

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the proceedings of the respondents dated 30.04.2020, 02.03.2021 and 10.05.2021, and seeking to quash the same. The petitioner has also sought a consequential direction to the respondents to disburse all the terminal benefits to which she is legally entitled.

2.Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that, consequent upon the demise of the petitioner's husband, the respondents sanctioned family pension at the rate of Rs.17,350/- per month with effect from 27.08.2020. However, the terminal benefits payable to the petitioner have not been settled on the ground that W.P.(MD) No.21409 of 2019 is pending before this Court. It is further submitted that the said Writ Petition has since been dismissed as withdrawn at the instance of the respondents. Therefore, there is no legal impediment for the respondents to withhold the terminal benefits payable to the petitioner. Accordingly, learned counsel prayed for appropriate directions.

3.Learned counsel appearing for the respondents did not dispute the factual submissions made on behalf of the petitioner. It is fairly submitted that the terminal benefits were withheld solely on account of the pendency of W.P(MD)No.21409 of 2019. Since the said Writ Petition has already been dismissed as withdrawn, there is no subsisting legal impediment for the respondents to settle the terminal benefits payable to the petitioner in accordance with law.

4.This Court has considered the submissions made on either side and perused the materials available on record.

5.In view of the admitted position that W.P(MD)No.21409 of 2019 has already been dismissed as withdrawn, the very basis on which the respondents withheld the terminal benefits no longer survives. Consequently, the impugned proceedings cannot be sustained.

6.Accordingly, the impugned proceedings dated 30.04.2020,

02.03.2021 and 10.05.2021 are set aside. The Writ Petition is allowed. The respondents are directed to settle and disburse all the terminal benefits payable to the petitioner, if not already settled, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

13.07.2026 (1/2) NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No ps To

1.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

2.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, 2/2A, SSS Road, Virudhunagar - 626 001.

M.DHANDAPANI, J. ps

13.07.2026 (1/2)

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 13.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and W.M.P(MD)Nos.7963 & 7964 of 2021 P.Jeya Anthoni ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005. 2.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, 2/2A, SSS Road, Virudhunagar - 626 001. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records pertaining to the proceedings of the respondents in Proc.No. 13641/F.S.Pushparaj/EA/2020/Dt. 30.04.20 and in K.No. 676/Ko.Pushparaj/Ni.Vu/2021 dated 02.03.2021 and K.No. 877/Ko.Pushparaj/Ni.Vu/2021 dated 10.05.2021 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to pay the terminal benefits eligible to the petitioner. For Petitioner : Mr.V.O.S.Kalaiselvam For Respondents : Mr.R.Satheesh Standing Counsel