Authority: Madras High Court
Order Date: 28-08-2026
Case Overview
- Appellant: Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (a Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking), represented by its Managing Director.
- Respondent: K. Senthilkumar, initially appointed Assistant Manager (Mines) and promoted to Deputy Manager (Mines) on 09-05-2018.
- The corporation, through its Deputy General Manager (Ariyalur Cement Works), issued a reversion order on 12-03-2021, demoting the respondent back to Assistant Manager (Mines) after receiving an email dated 11-04-2020 from the Secretary, Board of Mining Examination, indicating cancellation of the respondent’s First-Class Mines Manager’s Certificate – a qualification required for the Deputy Manager post.
- The respondent filed a writ petition (WP No.7260 of 2021) challenging the reversion on grounds of violation of natural justice. The Single Judge set aside the reversion order on 23-07-2024, directing the corporation to allow the respondent to continue as Deputy Manager (Mines) with all consequential benefits, while leaving open the possibility of further action against him.
- Dissatisfied with that judgment, the corporation filed WA No.3381 of 2024 (and CMP No.26265 of 2024) seeking reversal of the Single Judge’s order.
Final Outcome
- The Madras High Court, after hearing counsel for both sides, set aside the Single Judge’s order dated 23-07-2024.
- The court modified the relief, directing that pending the outcome of an inquiry, the respondent may continue as Assistant Manager (Mines).
- Should the inquiry conclude in the respondent’s favour, he will be entitled to the promotion effective from 09-05-2018.
- The corporation is ordered to pass appropriate reversion orders after providing the respondent an opportunity to be heard.
- No costs were awarded to either party.
Topics: Employment Law, Administrative Justice