Madras HC on Article 350: Tamil Nadu departments told to follow timelines for grievance representations

Direct fact

In October 2026, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Secretary, Human Resources Management Department, to ensure that all departments dispose of representations within the prescribed time limits, citing Article 350 of the Constitution.

Key specifics

• Article 350 of the Constitution gives every person the right to submit a representation for redressal of grievances.
• The order was passed by Justice B. Pugalendhi in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
• The court asked authorities to consider and dispose of the pending representations within 3 months.
• The petitioners were retired government employees and legal heirs seeking family pension, retirement benefits and arrears.
• The court said failure to act within the prescribed time may amount to dereliction of duty and misconduct.

Exam lens

Polity and governance question type: Article-based rights, administrative accountability, grievance redressal. TNPSC may ask about Article 350, the role of government instructions, and the 3-month disposal direction in this Madurai Bench ruling.