Arul Kumar vs Chief Engineer (Personnel) TANGEDCO

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2026 Supreme(Mad) 2117

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
M. Dhandapani, J.
Arul Kumar - Petitioner
Versus
The Chief Engineer (Personnel) TANGEDCO - Respondent
W.P.Nos.12207, 12208, 12632, 13358, 15550, 17654 and 17985 of 2024
Decided On : 25-02-2026

Important Points

Promotion eligibility for petitioners is contingent upon reaching seniority as per established guidelines, reaffirming the authority of the respondent to determine promotion schedules.

Subject

Employment Law - Service Promotions

Headnote

This judgment analyzes the constitutional provisions under Article 226 in resolving disputes related to promotions in TANGEDCO. The petitioners challenged adverse memo decisions regarding their promotion to Junior Engineer Grade II based on their qualifications. The Court found that similar prior cases confirmed the promotion framework which the petitioners were subject to, denying their claims at this juncture. The primary issues revolved around the respondent's adherence to promotion guidelines and the petitioners’ qualifications, leading to the determination that promotion could only occur when seniority permits. Consequently, the writ petitions were dismissed.

Advocates Appeared:
For the Petitioner: Mr.S.Elamurugan
For the Respondent: Mr.R.Nikkhilesh Athav for Mr.K.Rajkumar, Standing Counsel

Table of Content
1. petitioners filed for promotion based on qualifications. (Para 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7)
2. arguments about entitlement and previous legal precedent. (Para 8 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15)
3. court observations regarding previous rulings and promotion eligibility. (Para 16 , 17 , 18 , 19)

ORDER :

M. Dhandapani, J.

W.P.No.12207 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to Memo Number 053835/G4/G41/2023 dated 19.10.2023 of the respondent, quash the same and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II with the effect from October 2021 or at least from 29.09.2022 the date when the petitioner was promoted as Foreman Grade I with all consequential benefits.

2.W.P.No.12208 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to Memo Number 045648/G4/G41/2023 dated 17.10.2023 of the respondent, quash the same and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II with the effect from 10.08.2020 or at least from 30.12.2020.

3.W.P.No.12632 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to Memo Number 045644/G4/G41/2023 dated 10.10.2023 of the respondent, quash the same and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II with the effect from the date when the petitioner was promoted as Foreman Grade I with all consequential benefits.

4.W.P.No.13358 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 23.06.2023 and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II with all attendant benefits like back wages and seniority.

5.W.P.No.15550 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to Memo number 053836/G4/G41/2023 dated 19.10.2023 of the respondent, quash the same and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II instead of promoting within the Regular Work Establishment.

6.W.P.No.17654 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to Memo Number 051579/G4/G41/2023 dated 19.10.2023 of the respondent, quash the same and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II with the effect from May 2021 or at least from 24.08.2022 the date when the petitioner was promoted as Foreman Grade I with all consequential benefits.

7.W.P.No.17985 of 2024 has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to Memo Number 053831/G4/G41/2023 dated 19.10.2023 of the respondent, quash the same and direct the respondent to pass appropriate orders promoting the petitioner as Junior Engineer Grade II with the effect from the date when the petitioner was promoted as Foreman Grade I with all consequential benefits.

8.Since the issue involved in these writ petitions are common in nature, they are heard together and disposed of by way of common order.

9.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners submitted that the petitioners entered the service of the respondent as Helpers and on acquiring the required qualification, they were promoted as Foreman Grade I and while in service, after obtaining prior permission from the Board, the petitioners completed Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and as such they are entitled for promotion to the post of Junior Engineer Grade II. The learned counsel further submitted that similarly situated persons filed W.P.Nos.43061 of 2002 etc., batch challenging the amendment issued in (Per) B.P.(FB).No.17, dated 05.07.2003, and this C