Dharmambal College Ordered to Pay Subsistence

Authority: High Court of Judicature at Madras

Order Date: 16-10-2026

Case Overview

• Petitioner: T. Prakash, Assistant, ADJ Dharmambal Polytechnic College, Nagapattinam.
• Respondents: 1) The Commissioner, Directorate of Technical Education, Guindy; 2) Chairman/Treasurer, ADJ Dharmambal Polytechnic College; 3) Principal (in‑Charge), ADJ Dharmambal Polytechnic College.
• The petitioner challenged an order dated 11‑03‑2026 that placed him under suspension while employed at the college.
• He alleged that no subsistence allowance had been paid during the suspension period and sought direction for payment from 11‑03‑2026 to 30‑06‑2026, continuation until suspension revoked, and an interim stay of the suspension order.

Final Outcome

• The Court held that an employer must pay subsistence allowance to a suspended employee.
• Respondents 2 and 3 are directed to pay the petitioner subsistence allowance for the period 11‑03‑2026 to 30‑06‑2026 and any arrears, effective immediately.
• The arrears must be paid within three weeks of receipt of the order copy.
• An interim stay is granted on the suspension order dated 11‑03‑2026 pending disposal of the writ petition.

Topics: Employment Law, Subsistence Allowance, Court Order