APHC010222912026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) [3208] FRIDAY,THE TWENTY FOURTH DAY OF APRIL TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY SIX PRESENT THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE D RAMESH WRIT PETITION NO: 11244/2026 Between: 1. MATCHA HARSHA VARDHINI, D/O. GOWRI SANKARA RAO, AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS, WORKING AS DEPUTY TAHSILDAR, O/O. TAHSILDAR, CHEEPURUPALLI MANDAL, VIZIANAGARAM DISTRICT-535002 ...PETITIONER AND 1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP., BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, REVENUE DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATI, GUNTUR DISTRICT. 2. THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF LAND ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH MANGALAGIRI, GUNTUR DISTRICT. ...RESPONDENT(S): Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue an appropriate Writ, Order or Direction more particularly in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the Respondents in not considering the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Tahsildar on regular basis, even though he is eligible and qualified, on the ground that a Charge Memo vide G.O.Rt.No.361 Revenue (Vigilance-Ill) Department dated 06.03.2026 is issued and enquiry is pending, in spite of the fact, the allegations are of the year 2021 and are in minor lapses, as arbitrary, illegal, in violation of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India and consequently direct the Respondents to consider the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Tahsildar on regular basis in terms of G.O.Ms.No.257 General Administration (Ser-C) Department dated 10-6-1999 without reference to pendency of disciplinary proceedings and pass IA NO: 1 OF 2026 Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to direct the Respondents to consider the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Tahsildar on regular basis in terms of G.O.Ms.NO.257 General Administration (Ser-C) Department dated 10-6-1999 without reference to pendency of disciplinary proceedings pending disposal of the above writ petition and pass Counsel for the Petitioner: 1. SUBBA RAO KORRAPATI Counsel for the Respondent(S): 1. GP FOR REVENUE ORDER: This writ petition is filed for the following relief: “…to issue an appropriate Writ, Order or Direction more particularly in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the Respondents in not considering the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Tahsildar on regular basis, even though he is eligible and qualified, on the ground that a Charge Memo vide G.O.Rt.No.361 Revenue (Vigilance-Ill) Department dated 06.03.2026 is issued and enquiry is pending, in spite of the fact, the allegations are of the year 2021 and are in minor lapses, as arbitrary, illegal, in violation of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India and consequently direct the Respondents to consider the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Tahsildar on regular basis in terms of G.O.Ms.No.257 General Administration (Ser-C) Department dated 10-6-1999 without reference to pendency of disciplinary proceedings and pass…” 2. Heard learned counsel for petitioner and learned Government Pleader for respondents. 3. A charge memo vide G.O.Rt.No.361, Revenue (Vigilance-III) Department dated 06.03.2026 was issued to the petitioner framing charges. The petitioner submitted a written explanation on 01.04.2026 requesting the respondent-authorities to consider her case for promotion in view of G.O.Ms.No.257 dated 10.06.1999 taking into consideration the initiation of enquiry and the timing of issuance of the charge memo which was issued before promotions. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the respondents have not considered the case of the petitioner for promotion, despite her seniority and clean service record. 5. Learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, on instructions, submits that it is an admitted fact that the petitioner was shown in the seniority list and she will be considered for promotion, if she is otherwise eligible. 6. Having heard the respective submissions, this Court is of the opinion that the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Tahsildar, on regular basis can be considered in terms of G.O.Ms.No.257, dated 10.06.1999. 7. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of directing the respondents to consider the petitioner’s case for promotion to the post of Tahsildar on regular basis subject to the petitioner possessing requisite qualifications in terms of G.O.Ms.No.257, General Administration (Ser.C) Department, dated 10.06.1999 and also conclude the enquiry, if any pending, in terms of G.O.Ms.No.91, General Administration (Ser.C) Department, dated 12.09.2022, within a period of six (06) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The petitioner shall cooperate for expeditious completion of the enquiry. In the event of failure to conclude the enquiry within the aforesaid time frame, the disciplinary proceedings against the petitioner shall stand quashed without further reference to this Court. There shall be no order as to costs. As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed. _____________ D. RAMESH, J Date: 24.04.2026 M K K 200 THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE D RAMESH WRIT PETITION No: 11244 of 2026 Date: 24.04.2026 M K K