D.Vedarathinam v. The Director of Elementary Education,

Order This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To direct the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal dated 29.01.2026, rectify the pay anomaly, step up the petitioner's pay on par with his junior Mrs.G.Parameshwari, fix the petitioner's pay at Rs.81,500/- with effect from

01.10.2018, grant all consequential service and monetary benefits."

¶2The petitioner was appointed as a Secondary Grade Teacher on

05.10.1988 and has consistently remained senior to one G.Parameshwari, who was appointed on 30.12.1989. Throughout their service, the petitioner has been ahead in all aspects, including completion of probation, promotions and seniority at Block and State levels.

¶3The petitioner was promoted as a Middle School Headmaster on

29.06.2012, whereas, the said Parameshwari attained the same cadre only on 13.06.2018. Despite this undisputed seniority, a pay anomaly has arisen, wherein, the said Parameshwari is drawing a higher salary (Rs.81,500/-) than the petitioner (Rs.72,400/-). Page3 of 5

¶4The petitioner made a representation dated 21.07.2025, seeking stepping up of pay on par with his junior, in accordance with applicable Government Orders. However, the same was rejected by the 2nd and 3rd respondents on the ground that both were appointed in different Panchayat Unions. The petitioner made an appeal dated 29.01.2026 before the 1st respondent challenging the rejection order of the 2nd and 3rd respondents. However, the 1st respondent has not taken any action on the appeal till date. Therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.

¶5Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the fact that the petitioner's appeal dated 29.01.2026, before the 1st respondent has not been disposed of till date, a direction is issued to the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal and pass orders on the same, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of 3 months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶6With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 04-06-2026 KAN Page4 of 5 To

1.The Director of Elementary Education, Directorate of Elementary Education, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600006

2.The District Educational Officer, (Elementary Education), Cuddalore District -607001.

3.The Block Educational Officer, Block Educational Office, Parangipettai -608502. Page5 of 5 P.T.ASHA J. KAN 04-06-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 04-06-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA D.Vedarathinam ..petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Director of Elementary Education, Directorate of Elementary Education, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600006 2. The District Educational Officer, (Elementary Education), Cuddalore District -607001. 3. The Block Educational Officer, Block Educational Office, Parangipettai -608502. ..respondent(s) Prayer: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal dated 29.01.2026, rectify the pay anomaly, step up the petitioner's pay on par with his junior Mrs.G.Parameshwari, fix the petitioner's pay at Rs.81,500/- with effect from 01.10.2018, grant all consequential service and monetary benefits. For petitioner(s): Mr.A.Kumar For respondent(s): Mr. K.Sathish Government Advocate Page2 of 5