WP No. 21725 of 2026 __________ Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 16-06-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA WP No. 21725 of 2026 1. T.Ramesh 2. D. Rajendran ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Secretary to Government Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Fort St. George, Chennai 2. The Director of Rural Development Panagal Maligai, Saidapet, Chennai 15 3. The Collector Cuddalore District, Cuddalore ..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st Respondent to appoint the petitioners in the post of Deputy block Development officer or any other equivalent post in the light of the representation made by the petitioners dated 04.10.2024 For Petitioner(s): Mr.V.Vijayashankar For Respondent(s): Mr.K.Sathish, Government Advocate https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 21725 of 2026 __________ Page2 of 5 Order This writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to appoint the petitioners in the post of Deputy block Development officer or any other equivalent post in the light of the representation made by the petitioners dated 04.10.2024. 2. The petitioners would submit that they have completed Higher Secondary education, possess ITI qualification and valid driving licence. They belong to marginalized sections of society and their family lands were acquired for the establishment of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC). Pursuant to sponsorship through the Employment Exchange, the petitioners were appointed as Jeep Drivers under the Panchayat Union in the year 2008 and have rendered more than 16 years of unblemished service. 3. According to the petitioners, there are no promotional avenues available in the cadre of Jeep Driver. Though they are eligible for appointment as Assistants, their present pay is higher than the pay scale applicable to the Assistant cadre due to their long years of service. They contend that in several similar cases, the respondents have relaxed the relevant Rules and granted suitable promotional opportunities to similarly placed employees. Earlier, in W.P. No. 1660 of 2022, this Court, by order dated 26.10.2022, directed the https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 21725 of 2026 __________ Page3 of 5 respondents to consider the petitioners' representation seeking appointment as Deputy Block Development Officers or to any other equivalent post within a period of twelve weeks. Pursuant to the said direction of this Court, the authorities issued proceedings dated 31.01.2022 rejecting their request. Thereafter, the petitioners submitted a representation dated 04.10.2024 to the respondents seeking appropriate remedial measures and promotional avenues. However, no decision has been taken on the same. Hence, the petitioners are before this Court. 4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents. 5. Considering the limited scope of the prayer sought in this writ petition, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 04.10.2024 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 21725 of 2026 __________ Page4 of 5 6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 16-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No SRN To 1. The Secretary to Government Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Fort St. George, Chennai 2. The Director of Rural Development Panagal Maligai, Saidapet, Chennai 15 3. The Collector Cuddalore District, Cuddalore https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 21725 of 2026 __________ Page5 of 5 P.T.ASHA J. SRN WP No. 21725 of 2026 AND WMP NO. 23534 OF 2026 16-06-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis