IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 09.12.2025 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI M.S.Selvi ...Petitioner Vs.

1.The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. By its Secretary to Government, Highways and Minor Ports Department, Fort St.George, Chennai – 600 009.

2.The Director General, Highways Department, Integrated Chief Engineer Office Campus, Guindy, Chennai – 600 025. ...Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant the petitioner retrospective promotion to the post of Chief Engineer in Highways & Minor Ports Department with effect from the date of such promotion of her immediate junior, along with all consequential service and monetary benefits with interest on the delayed payment.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.R.Rajagopal, Senior Counsel for Vijayalakshmi Rajagopal For Respondents : Mr.S.Balamurugan, Government Advocate

ORDER

This writ petition is filed to direct the respondents to grant the petitioner retrospective promotion to the post of Chief Engineer in Highways & Minor Ports Department with effect from the date of such promotion of her immediate junior, along with all consequential service and monetary benefits with interest on the delayed payment.

2. By consent of both the parties, this writ petition is taken up for final hearing at the stage of admission itself.

3. The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner was serving as Superintending Engineer in Nabard and Rural Roads and issued with a charge memo dated 29.09.2021. Thereafter, she was imposed with a punishment of stoppage of increment for a period of one year with cumulative effect vide order dated 24.07.2024 by the first respondent. Challenging the same, the petitioner filed writ petition in W.P.No.32810 of 2024, which was dismissed on 16.07.2025. Against which, she filed a writ appeal in W.A.No.2636 of 2025 and the same was allowed on 09.09.2025 by quashing the punishment order dated 24.07.2024. Despite which, the petitioner was not considered for promotion to the post of Chief Engineer, but her immediate junior was given promotion to the said post. Therefore, she made a representation dated 17.09.2025 to the respondents, seeking promotion to the post of Chief Engineer with effect from the date of such promotion of her immediate junior, along with consequential service and monetary benefits with interest on the delayed payment. However, the said representation was not considered, as on date. Hence, the petitioner has come forward with the present writ petition.

4. Though very many grounds have been raised in this writ petition, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is going to retire on 31.05.2026, therefore, it would suffice, if this Court, issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 17.09.2025, as expeditiously as possible.

5. Learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents submits that, the petitioner’s representation dated 17.09.2025 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within a time frame that may be stipulated by this Court.

6. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

7. Considering the limited relief sought for by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 17.09.2025 and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

8. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stand disposed of. No costs.

09.12.2025 vm Index : Yes / No Speaking order : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No To

1.The Secretary to Government, Highways and Minor Ports Department, Fort St.George, Chennai – 600 009.

2.The Director General, Highways Department, Integrated Chief Engineer Office Campus, Guindy, Chennai – 600 025.

M.DHAN