W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Reserved On : 08.08.2025 Pronounced On : 22.09.2025 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.D. MARIA CLETE W.P. (MD) No.24298 of 2018 and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.21993 & 21994 of 2018 1.D.Annalakshmi D/o. S. Durai Raj Kadampur, Oorani Kottai Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram Dist.-623308 2.M.Hemalatha D/o. M. Muthu ramalingam, 1/109, A.Tharaikudi, Nagartharkuruchi Post, Abiraman Via, Kamuthi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District - 623601. 3. P.S.Eswari W/o. U. Gunasekaran, 105, East West 3rd Cross Street, MDR Nagar (East), Aruppukottai, Virudhunagar District. 4. M. Jayaprabha W/o. Mariyappan, 2/213, Pandian Street, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District -623707. 1/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 5. T. Rajeshkumar S/o. A. Dharamaraj 2/96, Nilaiyambadi, Sellur Post, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District-623712. 6. A. Ananth S/o. Anbumani, 2/ 118, Vadavayal, Solanthur Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District-623537. 7. A. Renganathan S/o. R. Azhageswaran, 10/26, Munsit Street, Kamuthi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District -623603. 8. M. Aravind S/o. M.Malairajan, 1/12, Kadaladi Road, Mudukulathur Taluk, Ramanathapuram District-623704. 9. A. Mareeshwaran S/o. V.Anburaj, 1/43A, North Street, Kokkarasan Kottai Post, Kadaladi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District- 623115. 10. S. Banumathi D/o. Sankaralingam, 41/91, Viya sarajapuram, Annasalai, Kalakad, Tiruhelveli District-627 501. 2/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 11. S. Muruganantham S/o. M. Subramaniyan, Sanavayal, Orikkottai Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District-623402. 12. M. Ilayaraja S/o. Malaikannu, Senthamil Nagar, Kannamangalam Post, Ilaiyankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District-630709. 13. S. Surya W/o. K.Vignesh, Uppor Chathiram, Uppor Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District-623525. 14. G. Rajeshwari W/o. R. Ramkumar, Adhiyur, Adhiyur Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District-623 407. 15.K. Karthiyayini D/o. Kalanjiam, Logaguruservai, North Street, Ramanathapuram District-623 501. 16. K. Chandraguru S/o. S. Koodalingam, 1/114, North Street, Ilandaikulam, Ilandaikulam Post, Maharajapuram Via, Srivilliputhu Taluk, Virudhunagar District-626149. 3/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 17. K. Sivakumar S/o. Karuppain Katchathanallur, Thelichathanallur Post, Ilaiyankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District-623707. 18. P. Kosaladevi W/o. Kanagavijayakumar, 12/2A, Vasanthan Nagar North, Ramanathapuram District. 19. G. Suganya W/o. Premkumar, 3/22J, Valampurai Nagar, Soorankottai, Ramanathapuram District. 20. V. Sornakumar S/o. A. Vanuvamalai, 100, Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Pathmaneli, Nanganeri Taluk, Tirunelveli District-627502. 21.S.Prasanth S/o Selvam W-2, Mottaya Devar Street, Gudalur & Post. Uthamapalayam(TK) Theni (DT) - 625518. 22. A.Thangapandi S/oAyyar, 6/163, Murugan colony, T.Kunnathur (Post) Peraiyur (TK),Madurai (DT). 4/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 23.K.Kokila D/o Krishnan Mulliyarenthal(Post) Illayangudi (TK) Sivagangai(DT) 24. A. Surya D/oArjunan No.5 Ramalinga Nagar, Ramnagar, Devakottai (TK) Sivagangai (DT) - 630303. 25.M.Balamurugan S/o Muthuramalingam Vazhaiperumal (Village) Siramam(Post) Kalayarkovil (TK) Sivagangai (DT) 26.D.Arunmozhi D /o.Dharmaraj 130/A Sengai Vadakarai, Indhira Nagar, Sivagangai (DT) 27.M.Shanmugapriya D/o Marimuthu Semboor Colony Thirumanjolai (Post) Sivagangai(DT)- 630561. 28.A.Muthusaranya D/o Arunachalam 590,Melavaniyankudi, Koothandan (Post) Sivagangai (DT) 29.R.Tamilselvi Esther 5/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 W/o O.M.Raju No.337,MGR Street, Soodamanipuram, Karaikudi,Sivagangai (DT) 30.M. Sudharsan S/o Murugan D- 19/8,Maruthupandiyar Nagar, Sivagangai (DT) - 630561. 31.G.Deepa D/o Govindhasamy 3/638,Amaragara Street, Kundrakudi. Sivagangai(DT) 630206. 32. K.Anbalagan S/o Karanthamalai Arasanoor,Thirumanjolai(Post) Sivagangai(DT) 33.B.Santhoshkumar S/o. Balamurugan D/No. 384,Sevalpunchai, Kalakanmoi(Post) Kalayarkovil(TK) Sivagangai(DT) 34.M.Vijayanand S/o Mahalingam Arasinampatti, . Singampunari(Post) & (TK) Sivagangai(DT) 35. R.Ananthavalli D/o Ramakrishnan 4/44,Amman Kovil Street, thambikaimeedan, Maravanrriadam, Tuticorin(DT). 6/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 36.R.Divya D/o Ravichandran 128/1, Old Kalayarkovil Salai, G.H.Opposite, Manamadurai.(TK) Sivagangai (DT) 630606. 37. K.Amirthalakshmi D/o Karuppanapandiyan V.Karisalkulam, Vayalcheri(Post) Trichuli(TK) Virudhunagar(DT) 38. K.Gopalakrishnan S/o Karuppaiah 2-38/38,North Street, L.Solaipatti, Peraiyur (TK) Madnrai(DT) 39.M.Nanthini D/o Murugesan 1-50-19. South Car Street, Palayampatti(Post) Aruppukottai(TK) Virudhunagar (DT) 40.M.Sathya D/o Mani Ambalam Meenachipuram, Kanoor(Post) Thiruppachetti, Sivagangai(DT) 41.N.Abimathy Rathnam D/o Nageshwaran 9,Thamb.iran mada Road, Thiruppuvanam(TK) Sivagangai(DT) – 630611. 7/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 42.K.Kanimozhi D/o Kathiresan 2/252,Melur Main Road, S.S. Mahal Near, Y.Othakkadai. Madurai (DT) – 625104. 43. P.Srirengachelvi D/o Perumal 1/85, Chinnapoplampatti, Mangalrevu(Post) Peraiyur (TK) - 625703. Madurai(DT) 44.R.Vinodha, D/o.Rangasamy, 10/1,2nd Street, Subramaniya Raja Nagar, Madurai Road, Sivagangai (DT) – 630 561. 45.G.Krishnasamy S/o Ganesan Keelakottai, K.Kailasapuram(Post) Ottapitarani(TK) Tuticorin(DT)- 627352. 46.N.Gurudas S/o Narayanan Madakottai, Kannankudi(Post) Devakottai(TK) Sivagangai (DT)- 630302. 47.A.Sathish S/o Azhagumalai Katchathanallur,Thelichanallur(Post) Ilayangudi(TK),Sivagangai(DT)- 623701. 8/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 48.R.Jothi D/o Ramakrishnan 8/47,Ambathkar Street, Pasiyapuram,Keeladi (Post) Thiruppuvanam (TK), Sivagangai(DT)- 630611. 49.B.Alagusundaram S/o Boominathan Selliampatti & (Post) Singampunari (TK) Sivagangai(DT) - 622403 50.G.Tamilarasi D/o Gnanasekaran Abatharanpatti, Eriyur(Post) Singampunari (TK) Sivagangai(DT) - 630566. 51. M.Vijayalakshmi D/o Meyyappan 3-5/75, Velar Theru, Melakudieruppu, Thalakkavoor,Managiri, Suganendal- 630307. Sivagangai (DT) 52.K.Vinodha D/o Karuppaiah 640/30, Bharathi Nagar, Videocon Near, Sipcot, Manamadurai (TK) Sivagangai (DT) 9/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 53.B. Radhika D/o. C. Babu 5/ 110-B, Kandampatty East Colony, Suramangalam Post, Salem District-636005. 54. K. Muthukumaravel S/o. Kannuchamy, Periyaelai Village, Poosari Post, Mudukulathur Taluk, Ramanathapuram District - 623711. 55.I. Manimozhi D/o. C. Ilango Avarendal Village, Ariyanendal Post, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram, District - 623 707. 56.A. Velmurugan S/o. Annadurai, 2/64, Kallapalli, Kallapalli Post, Krishnarayapuram Taluk, Karur District-639105. 57.J. Sekar S/o. Jeganathan New 5th Ward, Nariyampattiyan Valavu, Thararnangalam Post, Omalur Taluk, Salem District- 636 502. 58.T. Subash Chandra Bose S/o. Thangam, Kuthiraimozhi, Mookaiyur Post,Kadaladi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. 10/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 59.S. Pandian S/o. Subbaiah Keezhakayam patti,Vadavalam Post, Pudukkottai Taluk, Pudukkottai Dist.-622004. 60.S. Prema W/o. A.Rethinam, Dr.Ambedkar Nagar, Mangottai Post, Karamakudi Taluk, Pudukkottai Dist.-622301 61.P. Subramani, S/o. Ponnusamy, Sathivayal, Perampur Post, Viralimalai via, Pudukkottai District. 62.L. Arularasu S/o. Labarasu, Minnathur, . Minnathur Post, Kulathur Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 63.R.Sindhana, W/o.Ramesh, Balathotanapalli, Denkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 64. D.Muniyasamy, S/o.Dharmar, 5/442, Keeranoor Colony, Muthukulathur Post, Ramanathapuram District- 623704. 11/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 65. B.Meivizhi, D/o.Boominathan, 4/57, North Street, Thopadaipatti Post, Kamuthi Taluk, Okarisalkulam, Ramanathapuram - 623 603. 66. M.Balaji, S/o.Murugesan, No.2/149, South Street, Kulathur Post, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District - 623 530. 67. P.S.Sangeetha D/o.Selvaraj Na.Puthur Village, Konalur Post, Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Kilpennathure Tk, Tiruvannamalai District. 68.A.Yuvarani D/o.Anandhan, Arasu Uzhiyar Nagar, Vadaarasarnpattu, Tindivanam Main Road, Tiruvannamalai District – 605709 69.M.Sivasankari D/o. Munusamy, No.1/7C, East Cross Street, BSNL Opposite Lane, New Sakkarapuram, Gingee, Villupuram District-604202. 70.A.Shenbagam D/o. Arivarathan, Keekalur Village 86 Post, Kilpennathur (Via) 86 Taluk, Thiruvannamalai District- 504601. 12/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 71.M.Chinthamani W/o. Chidambaram 12, Kamalar Street, Vandavasi 86 Taluk, Thiruvannamalai District – 504408 72.C.Kokila, D/o. Chakkarabani No.119/5C, South Street, Thokkavadi, Thukkapettai Post, Chengam Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District - 606 709. 73.G. Sivasankar S/o. Ganesan No. 43/DI, South Street, Emapper Post, Kallalruchi Taluk., Villupuram District.-606 202. 74.S.Selvavenkadesh S/o. Selvaraju, 2/ 119, South Street, Chinnakosapallam, Kosapallarn Post, Tittakudi Taluk, Cuddalore District – 606105. 75.N.Anandkumar S/o.Natesan No. 179, Thirukovilur Road, Vettavalam, Tiruvannamalai Taluk - 606 754 Tiruvannamalai District. 76.V.Devendhiran S/o.Virushabadass, 1728/T, Annamalaiyar Nagar West, Vengikkal Pudur, Tiruvannamalai – 606604. 13/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 77. P.Balamurugan, S/o.Perumal Thazhanallur Street, Narasingamangalam Village, Edaiyur Post, Tittagudi Taluk, Cuddalore District – 606302. 78.S.Natarajan S/o. Sundaram No. 680, Bavani Amman Kovil Street, Marriandur Post, Tiruvannamalai District – 631702 79.K.Vijayan S/o. Kuppusamy No. 159, Aathi Sasa Nagar, Tiruvannamalai & District - 606 601 80.M.Venkatesan, S/o.Munusamy 38, Aalamarathur Street Pazhaiya Colony, Kananthampoondi Village, Pandithapattu Post, Thiruvannamalai Tk & District-606603 81.C.Sekar S/o.Chinnasamy 105, Muniyappanpalayam, Nagalur Post, Anthiyur Tk, Erode District – 638502 82.K.Sugumar S/o.Kumar Dr.No:442, Arijana Colony, Kilpattu Village, Polur Taluk, Timvannamalai District – 606907 14/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 83.S.Bass S/o.Selvam 1308, Manimangalam Village, Mangalam Post, Thiruvannamalai Taluk & District- 606752. 84. M.Veerapandiyan S/o.Munusamy No.416, Vadakku Street, Panaiolaipadi (Vill) Padiagragaram (Po), Chengam (Tk) Thiruvannamalai District-60670 85.K.Gangadharan S/o.Kuppusamy B2/50,Karaiyur, Murugankudi Post, Thittagudi Taluk, Cuddalore District - 606105 86.B.Muthu S/o.Baskar 81 ,Pillaiyar Kovil Steet, Athiyandal Village, Ayyampalaiyam Post, Tiruvannamalai Tk 85 Dt.-6066 87.V.Dhanancheyan S/o.Vengadesan No 136, Melkatchirapattu, Mettu Them, Meyyur (Post) Timvannmalai Taluk & District -606753 88.S.Prakash S/o.Subramani No.338,Vanniyanagaram Village, Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Aruthirapattu Post, Tiruvannamalai Tk 86 Dt.-606806. 15/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 89.P.Sangeetha D/o.Palani 86, Mettu Street Su.Kampupattu, Pavithram Post, Tiruvannamalai Taluk & District -606806 90.S.Vinothkumar, S/o.Selvaraj No.790, Amman kovil Street, G.Kuppanthangal Village, Kozhunthampattu Post, Thandarampattu Tk, Tiruvannamalai Dt.-606706 91. K.Ramamoorthy, S/o.Kothandam 1008,Tharadapattu Village 86 Post, Thandrampattu Tk, Tiruvannamalai Dt.- 606707. . 92.N. Rajkumar S/o.Nithyanatham No. 11, Veerankuttai Street, Tiruvannamalai- 606601 93.N.Suganya D/o.Narayanasamy No. 134, Viveganantha Street, Karungalikuppam , Kilpennathur Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District- 604 601 94.C.Premkumar S/o.Chinnathambi No. 1154, Irumbuli Village, Kuppam Post, Polur Tk, Tiruvannamalai District- 632311, 16/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 95.A.Vetriselvan S/o.Adhimulam Vanniyanagaram Village, Aruthirapattu Post, Tiruvannamalai Taluk & District - 606806. 96. R.Ravi S/o.Ramasamy No. 1010, Melagaram Village, Radhapuram Post, Thandarampattu Tk, Tiruvannamalai Dt.-606707, 97.A.Meena D/o.Arumugam 438, Vediyappan Kovil Street, 5 Sirunathur Village 8s Post, Kilpennathur Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District - 604601. 98.P.Sankar, S/o.Ponnan No. 398, Rajaji Nagar, Muthanur Village Melmudiyanur (Post), Chengam (Tk) Thiruvanamalai Dist. - 606704. 99.A.Sathiyanarayanan S/o.Annadurai 304, Main Road, Chinnakallapadi Village 85 Post, Tiruvannamalai Taluk & District-606811 100.M.Vishnu S/o.Mohan 1038, Mariyamman Kovil Street, Karapattu Village & Post, Chengam(TK), Tiruvannamalai (Dt), 606705. 17/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 101.K.Anbarasu S/o.Kirupakaran No. 134, Sengula Street, Melpadur Village & Post, Kanji Via, Chengam Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District - 606 702 102.N.Harish S/o.Narayanasamy 170, Madha kovil Street, Vayalour Village, Zamin Gudalour Post, Kilpennathur Taluk, Tiruvannamalai Dist.- 606755 103.R.Anandh S/o.Radha 1677/9, Chetpet Road, Devikapuram, Arni Taluk, Tiruvannamalai Dt. - 606902. 104.K.Anbarasu S/o.Kirupakaran No.134, Sengula Street, Melpadur Village & Post, Kanji Via, Chengam Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District – 606 702. 105.M.Seenuvasan, S/o.Mani 4/2/H3B, Vasantham Nagar, Near Anbu Medical, Polur, Tiruvannamalai District - 606 803. 106.P.Bakkiyavasan S/o.Pandurangan 219,Pillaiayar kovil Street Potharai Village, Potharai Post, Polur Tk, Tiruvannamalai Dist.-606803 18/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 107.V.Loganathan S/o.Velu 988, Ma.riyamman koil Street, Rathinapuri Village, A.K.Padavedu Post, Polur Taluk, Tiruvannamalai Dist.-606905. 108.P.Vanithamathi, D/o.Purushothaman 214,Mariyamman koil Street, Sozhiyasorkulam Village, Alagramam Post, Thindivanam Taluk, Villupuram Dist.-604302. 109.M.Jenifer, D/o.Mahendran No.2/5, Thoppalagunda Village, Kathari Post, Nattrampalli Taluk, Vellore District – 635 852. 110.S.Jayaraj, S/o.Shanmugam No. 182, Palla Street, Navalpakam Village & Post, Cheyyar Taluk. Tiruvannamalai District-604503. 111.V.Sharmiladevi D/o.Velayutham No.23/ 11, Arumugam Street, Arnipalayam, Arni Taluk, Tiruvannamalai Dt. - 632 301. 112.P.Saravanan, S/o.Pazhani, No.277, Kailasapuram Village, Ananthapuram Post, Polur Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District – 632 315. 19/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 113.S.Renugadevi, D/o.Subramaniyan No.18, River Bank Street, Thiruvothur, Cheyyar, Tiruvannamalai District – 604 407. 114.K.Rajkumar S/o.Kuppan School Street, Kozhavoor Village, Pulivanathal Post, Polur Tk, Thiruvannamalai Dt. - 606904 115.S.Sivasankari D/o.Subramaniyan NO.28, Alamara Street, Karungalaikuppam, Kilpennathur Tk, Tiruvannamalai Dt. - 604601. 116. M.Mageshwari D/o.Mannu No.85 Earikodi Street, Mangalam Village and Post, Tiruvannamalai District. 117.M.Manikandan S/o.Munusamy No. 49, Pachiyamman kovil Street, Amarnatha Pudhur Village, Che.Nachippattu Post, Chengam Tk, Tiruvannamalai Dt.-606709 118.K.Newton Issac S/o.Khuruchev Jacob No.332, Thiyagi Annamalai Nagar, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601. 20/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 119.A.Anbarasu S/o.Annamalai No.3/ 146, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Kilpennathur, Tiruvannamalai District - 504 501. 120.R.Anandhi, D/o.C.Raman, Mambakkam Village, Kadaladi Post, Tiruvannamalai District – 606 908. ... Petitioners Vs. 1. Union of India, Rep by its Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi - 110 001. 2. State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Government, Agriculture Department, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai – 9. 3. State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Principal Secretary, Finance-Department, Fort.St.George, Secretariat, Chennai – 9. 4. The Director of Agriculture, O/o. the Director of Agriculture, Chennai – 5. 21/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 5. The Principal Accountant General, O/o. the Principal Accountant General, Chennai-18. ... Respondents PRAYER in W.P.: To issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to call for the records pertaining to the Impugned Government Order in G.O.(D).No.l71 Agriculture (API) Department dated 19.05.2017 on the file of the Respondent No.2 and quash the same as illegal and consequently for a direction, directing the Respondents to disburse the arrears of salary of the Petitioner for the period from 01.04.2014 to 22.11.2016 along with interest and to regularize the services of the Petitioners in the post of Assistant Agricultural Officers, Agricultural Officers based on their qualification and to grant 10% enhancement in the salary annually, leave benefits within the time period stipulated by this Hon’ble Court and pass any further or other orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit under the circumstances of the case and thus render Justice. PRAYER in WMP(MD)No.21993/2018: To dispense with the production of original copy of the impugned Government Order G.O.(D)No.171, Agriculture (AP1) Department, dated 19.06.2017 on the file of the respondent No.2 for the present and thus render justice. 22/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 PRAYER in WMP(MD)No.21994/2018: To pass an order of interim injunction, restraining the respondents from terminating and transferring the petitioners from the post of Assistant Technology Manager and Block Technology Manager, pending disposal of the writ petition and thus render justice. APPEARANCE OF PARTIES: For Petitioners : Mr.Rithik Sushil, Advocate for M/s.T.Lajapathi Roy Associates For Respondents : Mr.J.Ashok, Additional Government Pleader for R2 to R4 : Mr.C.Nanda Gopal, Central Government Standing Counsel for R1 : Mr.P.Gunasekaran, Advocate for R5 J U D G M E N T Heard. 2. The 120 Petitioners have jointly filed this writ petition seeking to quash the order of the Government contained in G.O.(D) No. 171, Agriculture (AP1) Department, dated 19.06.2017 (issued by the 2nd Respondent). Upon setting aside the said order, the Petitioners pray for 23/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 (i) payment of salary for the period from 01.04.2014 to 22.11.2016 along with interest, (ii) regularization of their services as Assistant Agriculture Officers and Agriculture Officers based on their respective qualifications, and (iii) annual salary enhancement of 10% together with leave benefits. 3. When the writ petition was listed on 11.12.2018, it was admitted, and notices were accepted by the respective respondents through their standing counsel. On behalf of the 4th Respondent, a counter affidavit dated 19.12.2018 was filed, which was also adopted on behalf of Respondents 2 and 3. However, no interim relief was granted during the pendency of the writ petition. 4. The case of the Petitioners is that they were appointed to the posts of Block Technology Managers, Assistant Technology Managers, Accountant-cum-Clerks, and Computer Operators. They had been serving across 385 blocks in 31 districts of Tamil Nadu under the Central Government Scheme known as the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA). The expenditure for implementing the scheme was jointly borne by the Central and State Governments. Under the scheme, a total of 1,217 persons were appointed in four categories, namely, Block 24/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 Technology Managers (385), Assistant Technology Managers (770), Accountant-cum-Clerks (31), and Computer Programmers (31). The recruitment process was carried out either by the respective District Collectors or, in certain districts, through private placement agencies. 5. It has been stated that the salary of an Assistant Technology Manager was initially fixed at Rs. 8,500/- per month, while that of a Block Technology Manager was fixed at Rs. 20,000/- per month. The Petitioners were paid salaries up to 31.03.2014, after which the Government of India (R1) revised the pay structure, fixing the salary of Assistant Technology Managers at Rs. 15,000/- per month and that of Block Technology Managers at Rs. 25,000/- per month. It was further assured that the emoluments would carry an annual increment of 10%. However, although the Government of India had announced the revision, the State Government did not implement the same until 23.11.2016. The funds sanctioned for the revised salaries were instead retained in the reserve fund by the State Government. Subsequently, the State Government issued the impugned order in G.O.(D) No. 171, Agriculture (AP1) Department, dated 19.06.2017. 25/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 6. In the impugned order, it has been stated as follows:— “In the Government Order 1st read above orders were issued for enhanced remuneration to the Contractual Staff and Contingency fund for Farmer Friend engaged under Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) as per the Government of India revised guidelines 2014 prospectively. 2. Now, the Director of Agriculture has stated that an amount of Rs.25.82 Crore (i.e. Rs.22.55 Crore arrear amount from the Contractual Staff enhanced remuneration and Rs. 3.27 Crore, arrear amount from Farmer Friend enhanced contingency fund respectively) have been kept, as reserve from 01.04.2014 to 22.11.2016. 3. In the circumstances, the Director of Agriculture has requested to issue orders to grant permission to divert the above arrear amount of Rs.25.82 crore reserved from 01.04.2014 to 22.11.2016, for implementation of other Extension activities as approved in the State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) of Support to State Extension Programme for Extension Reforms Scheme (SSEPERS-ATMA) for the year 2016-17. 4. The Government after careful examination accept the proposal of the Director of Agriculture and accordingly permit him to divert and utilize the unspent arrear amount of Rs.25.82 crore (Rupees Twenty five crore and eighty two lakh only) for implementation of other extension activities as approved in the State Extension Work Plan (SEWF) of Support to State Extension Programme for extension Reforms Scheme (SSEPRS-ATMA) as mentioned in the Annexure to this order during the year 2017-18. 26/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 5.The Director of Agriculture is authorized to draw and disburse the amount sanction in para 4 above.” 7. It is this diversion of funds to other purposes that has been challenged in the present writ petition. In the detailed counter affidavit filed by the 4th Respondent (also on behalf of Respondents 2 and 3), it has been specifically stated in paragraphs 30 and 31 as follows:— “30…. The Petitioners have no right to claim arrears of salary from the concerned authority because the petitioners were recently appointed in the year 2017 during the month of January and February, on contractual basis. Further, the Government has utilized the above arrear amount of Rs.25.81 crore, arose out of the period from 1.4.2014 to 22.11.2016, only for welfare of the farmers. 31…..the main subject matter involves in this writ petition is that as to whether, the petitioners are entitled for the amount said to be reserved during the periods from 01.04.2014 to 22.11.2016. It is pertinent to mentioned here that the original Government Order by which the revision of scale of pay was ordered namely G.O.Ms.No. 367, (AP1) Department dated 23.11.2016 was given effect only prospective effect with effect from the date on which the Government Order was implemented dated on 23.11.2016. So in the light of the G.O. the revisional scale of pay was given effect from 23.11.2016. When such being the position, the petitioners are no way entitled to claim right 27/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 over the subjected amount. Ultimately, the amount is always vested to state exchequer alone. So, the state is empowered to utilize the amount for implementing some other useful scheme. Here in the instant case, the amount has been utilized for a new scheme implementation of other Extension activities as approved in the State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) of Support to State Extension Programme for Extension Reforms Scheme (SSEPERS – ATMA) for the year 2016-17.” 8. It is an admitted fact that several other persons, similarly placed, had also filed writ petitions before this Court in W.P.(MD) Nos. 17713 of 2017, 1627 of 2018, 3790 of 2018, and 5017 of 2018, seeking identical reliefs. A common order came to be passed by this Court on 22.03.2018, whereby all four writ petitions were disposed of under similar circumstances. In the said order, at paragraphs 2 to 8, it was observed as follows:— “2.The petitioners in all these Writ Petitions were appointed by ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency). Except one petitioner, the rest of them have been appointed either as Assistant Technology Manager or as Block Technology Manager. One petitioner alone has been appointed as Computer Programmer. It is not in dispute that all the appointments are contractual in nature. They have been appointed on various dates right from the year 2012 onwards. They have been terminated on the expiry of eleven months and after an artificial break, engaged again. Apprehending that they may be ousted, following the 28/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 issuance of G.O.(Ms).No.171, Agriculture (AP1) Department, dated 19.06.2017, these Writ Petitions came to be filed. 3.This Court while entertaining these Writ Petitions granted interim order in favour of the Writ petitioners. Now the Government has filed a petition to vacate the interim stay earlier granted by this Court. 4.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners drew the attention of this Court to paragraph No.4 of the impugned Government Order. It is not in dispute that the scheme is funded both by the Central Government as well as the State Government. By the impugned Government Order, permission has been accorded for diverting and utilising the unspent arrears amount of Rs.25.82 Crores for implementation of other extension activities, as approved in the State Extension Work Plan (SWEP) of support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms Scheme (SSEPERS-ATMA) as mentioned in the Annexure to this order during the year 2017-2018. 5.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners expressed his anxiety that if the amount that was earmarked for supporting ATMA Schemes is diverted, the source of funding would turn dry and there would be no money to even to pay the salary for the petitioners. 6.The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the State Government submitted that there is no proposal to oust the petitioners. She also would contend that it is not for the writ petitioners to raise questions as to the mode of spending by the Government. She submitted that what is contemplated by the Government Order is only a diversion of funds for supporting other activities under the very same scheme. 29/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 7.This Court finds considerable force in the aforesaid submission of the learned Special Government Pleader for the State Government. This is not a Public Interest Litigation. The petitioners rights have not been shown to be infringed in any manner by issuance of the impugned Government order made in these Writ Petitions. The order impugned in these Writ Petitions are therefore, sustained. But then the Writ Petitions cannot be closed with this. During the course of arguments, the learned Special Government Pleader supported the artificial break in the services of the writ petitioners. Hence this Court issues the following directions:- (i).It is made clear that the scheme appointees could have no claim for regularisation. But then so long as the scheme continues, subject to one being fit and not found guilty of any misconduct, the scheme appointee can continue in the said post so long as the scheme is in force. (ii).The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the decision reported in 1985 4 SCC 43-(Rattan Lal & Others Vs. State of Haryana & Others), deplored the practice of giving artificial break in service. The state Government is expected to function as a model employer. This proposition continues to hold good even in this age of liberalisation and globalisation. The aforesaid judgment was relied on in the subsequent Full Bench decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court reported in (1991) 2 SCC 599-(Sri Rabinarayan Mohapatra Vs. State of Orissa and others). The very same principle has been reiterated in yet another decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court reported in (2009) 6 SCC 611- (MD.Abdul Kadir & Another Vs. Director General of Police, Assam & others). Therefore, it cannot lie in the 30/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 mouth of the State Government to now contend that they are entitled to terminate the services of the contractual employee on the expiry of the 11th month and give artificial break after which engage them again. This Court makes it clear that the practice of giving artificial breaks shall be discontinued henceforth. The benefits payable to the petitioners/Scheme appointees in terms of the scheme norms, shall be disbursed. In view of the comprehensive nature of the relief given to the petitioners herein, there shall be of no claim for payment of past arrears. However, as regards the future, it is undertaken by the Government that the periodical/annual increment will be given effect in terms of the scheme regulations. 8.These Writ Petitions are disposed of in terms of the directions set out above.” 9. In view of the foregoing, this writ petition is also disposed of on the same terms. However, there shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected W.M.P.s stand closed. 22.09.2025 Index: Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking Order Neutral Citation : Yes / No LS/ay 31/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 Copy to: 1. Union of India, Rep by its Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi - 110 001. 2. State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Governmerit, Agriculture Department, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai – 9. 3. State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Principal Secretary, Finance-Department, Fort.St.George, Secretariat, Chennai – 9. 4. The Director of Agriculture, O/o. the Director of Agriculture, Chennai – 5. 5. The Principal Accountant General, O/o. the Principal Accountant General, Chennai-18. 32/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.24298 of 2018 DR. A.D. MARIA CLETE, J. LS Pre-delivery Judgment made in W.P. (MD) No.24298 of 2018 22.09.2025 33/33 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis