Shanthini vs State Of Tamil Nadu - 2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 47972

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 47972

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
P.T. Asha, J
Shanthini – Appellant
Versus
State Of Tamil Nadu – Respondent
W.P. No. 17743 of 2026

Important Points

A Writ of Mandamus can be issued to command a public authority to consider and dispose of a pending service representation within a specified timeframe, ensuring the timely determination of probation and service placement.

Subject

Service Law - Probation and Seniority

Act Referred

Constitution of India: Art.226

Headnote

The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus for the declaration of their probation upon completing two years of service as a Junior Assistant and subsequent inclusion in the 2022 Assistant Panel. Despite submitting a representation, no action was taken by the authorities. The court evaluated the necessity of administrative resolution regarding service benefits. The core issue presented was whether the respondent failed to timely address the petitioner's request for probation declaration and retrospective service placement. Following the principle that statutory authorities must perform their administrative duties within a reasonable timeframe, the court directed the consideration of the representation in accordance with law. The Writ Petition stands disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to pass orders on the petitioner's representation within six weeks.

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: L.Chandrakumar
For the Respondents: A.R.Balaji

Table of Content
1. failure to address pending service representations regarding probation and seniority. (Para 2)
2. court directive for administrative authorities to decide on service grievances within a fixed period. (Para 3 , 4 , 5)

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed directing the 1^st respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioner’s representation dated 29.08.2025.

2. The case of the petitioner is that he submitted a representation dated

29.08.2025 to the first respondent, seeking a declaration of probation upon the completion of two years from his date of joining service as a Junior Assistant, the fixation of his placement in the 2022 Assistant Panel, and the extension of all other consequential service benefits. However, the same has not been considered to date. Challenging this inaction on the part of the first respondent, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

3. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents.

4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing for both sides, this Court directs the 1^st respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 29.08.2025 and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.