P GNANASEKARAN Vs. CHAIRMAN TAMIL NADU PUBLIC

JUDGEMENT

(1.) W.P(MD)Nos.8722, 9140, 9141, 8988, 8989, 9041 and 9042 of 2007:- Since a common issue is involved in these Writ Petitions, all were heard together and they are disposed of by means of this common order.

(2.) THE Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission issued an advertisement calling for applications from eligible persons for Combined Subordinate Services Examinations-I-2007. THE last date for receipt of the applications by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission was 31.07.2007 and the time was 05.45 p.m. Admittedly, in all these cases, the petitioners sent their applications well in advance either by registered post or by speed post. But, the applications were received by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission beyond 31.07.2007 due to postal delay. So, the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission did not consider their applications. At that juncture, all of them have rushed to this Court with these Writ Petitions.

(3.) PER contra, the counsel appearing for the respondents would submit that the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission cannot be held responsible for the delayed receipt of the applications and if at all there is one to be blamed, it is only the Postal authorities and so, the petitioners can very well work out their remedies against the postal authorities for any relief, like damages. The learned counsel would further submit that since the applications were not received in time, their applications were not considered rightly and, therefore, all the petitions are liable to be dismissed, it is contended.