Madras High Court
WP(MD)/27258/2026 of Sorna Shanmugam Vs The Secretary to the Governm on 27 October 2026
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 27-10-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE P.VELMURUGAN
AND
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE K.K. RAMAKRISHNAN
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026
CNR:{HCMD011338492026}
AND
WMP(MD) No. 23712 of 2026
Sorna Shanmugam
W/o.Late Shanmugam,
1/40, East Street,
Paappankulam Village,
Tenkasi Taluk and District.
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The Secretary to the Government
Education Department,
Fort St.George,
Chennai.
2. The Director of School Education
College Road,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai.
3. The District Collector,
Tenkasi.
4. The District Educational Officer (Primary Education)
Tenkasi District.
5. The Director
Pay and accounts office,
Teynampet, Chennai.
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026
6. The Block Educational Officer,
Special Officer, Kadayam, Represented by Gnapathy Middle School, Papankulam, Kadayam Block, Thenkasi Taluk, Thenkasi District.
(R-6 is suo motu impleaded vide court order dated 07.10.2026 in WP(MD)No.27258/26 by PVJ and KKRKJ)
..Respondent(s)
PRAYER: Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondents No.1 and 2 to consider petitioner’s representation dated 01.07.2026 and to take appropriate measures to transfer the 4 students studying in various classes from 1st to 8th standard to any other nearby schools for their betterment and welfare within the time frame stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner:
Mr.N.Anandhapadmanaban,
Senior Counsel for
M/s.APN Law Associates
For Respondent:
Mr.T.Thirumurugan,
Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R4
Mr.P.Gunasekaran for R5
Mr.S.Chellapandian,
for Secretary of the 6th respondent
Citations and Judicial Treatment
Cited by
0
Decisions in the index citing it
Cites
0
Decisions referred to
In this index
0
Of the decisions it cites
Overruled / Questioned
0
No negative treatment found
Loading the citing and cited decisions…
This judgment in the centre: on the left the decisions it cites, on the right the decisions citing it. Colour is the treatment; choose a decision to open it.
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by P.Velmurugan J.) This Writ Petition has been filed as a Public Interest Litigation seeking a direction to the respondents 1 and 2 to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 01.07.2026 and take appropriate steps to
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026 transfer the four students studying in Standards I to VIII in Ganapathy Middle School, Paappankulam Village, to nearby schools in the interest of their education and welfare.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the student strength of the said school has drastically reduced to only four students, while four teachers continue to be deployed. It is further submitted that the absence of peer interaction and companionship may adversely affect the educational and psychological development of the students. Hence, the present Writ Petition.
3. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the fact that only four students are presently studying in the said school, this Court is of the view that appropriate steps are necessary to safeguard their educational and psychological welfare of the students.
4. Accordingly, the 4th respondent is directed to take necessary steps to transfer the four students studying in the 6th respondent school to the nearby Panchayat Union School at Paappankulam or to any other nearby school of the parents’ choice, within a period of one week from today, and file a report before this Court.
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026
5. The 6th respondent school is also directed to take necessary steps to deploy the two teachers to other schools where their services are required. However, if the 6th respondent school is able to demonstrate that a sufficient number of students have been admitted to the school, the respondents shall consider the matter afresh and take further action in accordance with law.
6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
7. Post the matter on 17.11.2026 for reporting compliance. (P.V.,J.) (K.K.R.K.,J.) 27-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No VSM
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026 To
1. The Secretary to the Government Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai.
2. The Director of School Education College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
3. The District Collector, Tenkasi.
4. The District Educational Officer (Primary Education) Tenkasi District.
5. The Director Pay and accounts office, Teynampet, Chennai.
WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026 P.VELMURUGAN, J. AND K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN, J. VSM WP(MD) No. 27258 of 2026 27-10-2026