TNPSC appointments: Madras High Court issues notice to Tamil Nadu on DMK plea

Court directs State Advocate-General to file the counter by March 4 while issuing notice to the public service commission and its newly appointed members.

February 03, 2016 04:05 pm | Updated November 17, 2021 02:12 am IST - Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission headquarters in Chennai. File photo

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission headquarters in Chennai. File photo

The Madras High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government on a petition filed by senior DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan challenging the appointment of advocates allegedly owing allegiance to the AIADMK as members of Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.

When the matter came up before Justice R. Subbaiah, Advocate-General A.L. Somayaji, who appeared on behalf of the State, submitted that the appointments had already been made.

The judge then directed the AG to file the counter by March 4, 2016 and issued notice to the advocates and the public service commission.

Appearing on behalf of Mr. Elangovan, a former MP, senior counsel P. Wilson argued that the constitutional trust that was reposed on the Chief Secretary “has been breached for political reasons”.

The main criterion for the appointments was their allegiance to the AIADMK party, the petitioner alleged.

The advocates, who were appointed as members of TNPSC, have no experience in administration, the petitioner claimed.

Mr. Elangovan sought declaration of the appointments illegal, ultra vires and violative of the Constitution and various directives of the Supreme Court.

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