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K.Saraswathi v. The Director

Madras HC21 Aug 2025WP(MD)/22816/2025

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

Compassionate appointment; writ of mandamus; Article 226; direction to consider representation dated 24.09.2024; twelve weeks timeline; no view expressed on merits; deceased brother Block Development Officer/Supervisor died 06.05.2015; initial application 11.06.2015; K. Saraswathi v. The Director, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Directorate; W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025; Madurai Bench of Madras High Court; M. Dhandapani, J.; decided 21.08.2025; disposed of with direction; no costs.

What did the court decide?

Direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 24.09.2024 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, preferably within twelve weeks from receipt of a copy of the order; no costs. ¶30

K.Saraswathi Vs The Director — Writ and Judicial Review | Madras HC (2025)

What the court decided

AI extract

Outcome

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Issue for consideration

Whether the respondent should be directed to consider the petitioner's representation dated 24.09.2024 seeking appointment on compassionate grounds and pass appropriate orders thereon within a time frame fixed by the Court.

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Court's answer

Without going into the merits, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 24.09.2024 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law.

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Ratio / Principle

The exercise of considering the representation shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order.

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Key takeaways

The Court has not expressed any view on the merits of the matter; it is open to the respondent to consider the representation on its own merits.obiter¶31

Detailed headnote1 paragraphs

Madras High Court (Madurai Bench), M. Dhandapani, J. — W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025, decided 21.08.2025: Writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India by the sister of a deceased Block Development Officer/Supervisor (who died in service on 06.05.2015) seeking a writ of mandamus directing the Director, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Directorate, to consider her representation dated 24.09.2024 for appointment on compassionate grounds in the post held by her deceased brother. Held: without going into the merits, the petition was disposed of with a direction to the respondent to consider the representation dated 24.09.2024 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, preferably within twelve weeks from receipt of a copy of the order. The Court expressly did not express any view on the merits, leaving the respondent free to decide on its own merits. No costs.

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W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025

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BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT

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DATED : 21.08.2025

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CORAM:

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THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI

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W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025

K.Saraswathi

... Petitioner

vs.

The Director, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Directorate, Saidapet, Chennai -15.

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... Respondent

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PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to consider the petitioners application dated 09.09.2024 for appointment on compassionate grounds in the place of the petitioner's deceased brother, Late K.Naga Subramaniyan.

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For Petitioner : Mr.Shangar Murali For Respondent : Mr.K.Balasubramani Spl. Government Pleader

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O R D E R

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This writ petition has been filed for issuance of a writ of Mandamus,

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directing the respondent to consider the petitioners application dated 09.09.2024

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025

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for appointment on compassionate grounds in the place of the petitioner's deceased brother, Late K.Naga Subramaniyan.

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2.Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By consent of both

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parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

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3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that her brother,

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who was employed as a Block Development Officer/Supervisor in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, passed away on 06.05.2015, while in service. Since the petitioner's deceased brother was unmarried, she submitted an application on 11.06.2015 seeking appointment on compassionate ground for the post held by her deceased brother. Subsequently, she submitted a detailed representation dated 24.09.2024, again seeking compassionate appointment. As no action was taken on the representation, the petitioners have filed the present writ petition before this Court.

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025

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4. Learned counsel for the petitioner would further submit that the

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petitioner would be satisfied if a direction is issued to the respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 24.09.2024 and pass appropriate orders thereon, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

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Considering the above facts and circumstances, without going into the merits of the case, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondent, to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 24.09.2024 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. Such exercise shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is also made clear that this Court has not expressed any of its views with regard to the merits of the matter and that it is

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open to the respondent to consider the same on its own merits. No costs.

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21.08.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes PKN

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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W.P(MD)No.22816 of 2025

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