Authority: Madras High Court, Madurai Bench

Order Date: 08 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: S. Vethanayaki (Ms. V. Sundari) filed a writ petition under Article 226 seeking a fresh appointment order for the post of Technical Assistant (Civil) in the Tamil Nadu Housing Board.
  • Respondents: 1) Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) represented by its Secretary; 2) Tamil Nadu Housing Board.
  • Recruitment Process: Notification No.11 of 2024 dated 13.08.2024 issued by TNPSC for direct recruitment to Combined Technical Services (Diploma/ITI Level). Petitioner cleared written examination with Rank 7791.
  • Counselling: Scheduled on 19.09.2025; memo No.1640/PSD‑E1/2025 dated 12.09.2025 called petitioner for counselling. Verification of certificates led to provisional, conditional selection via Memorandum No.1353/PSD‑II/2025 dated 19.09.2025.
  • Appointment Order Issuance: Tamil Nadu Housing Board, as appointing authority, issued the appointment order Letter No.PNT3/19145/2025‑22 dated 13.10.2025 and dispatched it through EMS Speed Post.
  • Non‑receipt: The postal item was returned marked “No such person in the given address” between 15.10.2025 and 22.10.2025. The petitioner was absent due to her son’s illness at that time.
  • Subsequent Actions: The Housing Board sought clarification from TNPSC via a letter dated 03.07.2026 and awaited a response.
  • Court Findings: The Court noted no dispute regarding petitioner’s eligibility or the existence of the appointment order. Denying the petitioner the appointment solely because of the returned post was deemed arbitrary and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution.
  • Court Directions: The Housing Board was ordered to produce the returned postal cover, which was opened in Court. The appointment order dated 13.10.2025 was handed to the petitioner’s counsel.

Final Outcome

  • The writ petition is disposed of, permitting the petitioner to join the post of Technical Assistant (Civil) in the Tamil Nadu Housing Board as per the appointment order (Letter No.PNT3/19145/2025‑22, dated 13.10.2025) within two weeks from 08.07.2026.
  • The Housing Board must allow the petitioner to report for duty within the stipulated period.
  • No costs awarded; the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
  • Note to Office: Issue order copy by 09.07.2026.

Topics: Appointment Order, Judicial Relief, Public Service Recruitment