BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.02.2026 CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.4606 of 2026 and WMP(MD) No.3878 of 2026 Muthulakshmi ... Petitioner Vs

1.The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukkottai.

2.The Project Director, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Pudukkottai.

3.The Child Welfare Development Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

4. Karthiga ...Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Declaration, to declare that the selection and appointment of the 4th respondent as Anganwadi Assistant in Manivilanvayal Anganwadi Centre, Kodivayal Village, Aranthangi circle, Pudukottai District processed by the 3rd respondent is illegal and further direct the 3rd respondent to appoint the petitioner as Anganwadi Assistant in Manivilanvayal Anganwadi Centre, Kodivayal Village, Aranthangi circle, Pudukkottai District.

For Petitioner : Mr.T.Leninkumar For Respondent : Mr.C.Venkatesh Kumar Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

The petitioner has applied for the post of Anganwadi Assistant, pursuant to a newspaper publication, issued by the Child Welfare Development Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai, under the reservation of destitute widow. According to the petitioner, she is entitled for preference under the category of destitute widow. However, the respondent Department has appointed the fourth respondent under the priority quota. Aggrieved by that, the petitioner has filed this writ petition to declare the appointment of the fourth respondent as Anganwadi Assistant as illegal.

2.Mr.C.Venkatesh Kumar, learned Special Government Pleader takes notice for the respondents 1 to 3 and submits that both the petitioner as well as the fourth respondent belong to the category of destitute widow. Considering the merits, the fourth respondent has been selected as Anganwadi Assistant. The learned Special Government Pleader has also furnished a copy of the destitute widow certificate of the fourth respondent.

3.This Court considered the rival submissions made and also perused the materials placed on record.

4.The only ground raised by this petitioner is that this petitioner, being a destitute widow is entitled for appointment as Anganwadi Assistant, under priority quota, however, without considering the same, the fourth respondent has been selected. Now, the respondent Department has clarified that the fourth respondent has been appointed on merits, under the category of destitute widow. To that effect, they have also placed the relevant certificate before this Court.

5.In view of the same, this writ petition is closed with a direction to the respondent Department to furnish a copy of the Destitute widow certificate of the fourth respondent to this petitioner, enabling her to get clarified with regard to the appointment of Anganwadi Assistant made by the respondent Department. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

19.02.2026 NCC: Yes/No Index:Yes/No Internet:Yes vrn To

1.The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukkottai.

2.The Project Director, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Pudukkottai.

3.The Child Welfare Development Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

B.PUGALENDHI, J.

vrn Order made in W.P(MD)No.4606 of 2026 and WMP(MD) No.3878 of 2026

19.02.2026