Authority: Madurai Bench, Madras High Court (Justice M. Dhandapani)
Order Date: 08 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: S.M. Anthony Muthu (represented by Mr. C.T. Perumal) filed W.P(MD) No.9989 of 2023 seeking a writ of mandamus directing implementation of the Employees’ State Insurance Act for rubber plantation workers in Kanyakumari District.
- Respondents: Secretary, Environment and Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu; Chairman and Managing Director of Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited; Deputy Manager and Deputy Director of Employees State Insurance Corporation (regional offices).
- The petition alleged non‑implementation of ESIC provisions for the workers and sought compulsory compliance.
- During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel submitted that the Employees’ State Insurance Act had been repealed, arguing that no operative provision remained for the court to enforce.
Final Outcome
- The Court held that, owing to the repeal of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, there is nothing left for adjudication; consequently, the writ petition is dismissed as infructuous.
- The Court granted the petitioner liberty to pursue any appropriate remedy in accordance with law.
- No order as to costs was made.
Topics: Employees State Insurance, Labor Law, Rubber Plantation Workers