The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) to install CCTV cameras in all its liquor shops and ensure that the cameras are monitored from regional offices. Justice B. Pugalendhi also welcomed the corporation’s proposal to introduce transparent transfer counselling for its employees.
Background
The order was passed in five connected writ petitions, WP(MD) Nos. 3341 to 3345 of 2025, filed by employees working at TASMAC Shop No. 7928 in Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district. They challenged their transfers ordered on 9 January 2025 and sought permission to continue at the same shop.
The petitioners alleged that their transfers followed a complaint lodged by one of them against a salesman, S. Govindaraj. They claimed that the transfers had been made at his instance. The Court had earlier stayed the transfer order on 5 February 2025, allowing the petitioners to continue at their existing workplace.
TASMAC’s District Manager disputed having any material showing receipt of the complaint dated 28 August 2024. Since the petitioners maintained that the complaint carried the official seal, the Court directed the Managing Director to conduct an inquiry into the matter on 3 September 2026.
The Managing Director subsequently informed the Court of plans to introduce a transparent transfer counselling system. The Court welcomed the proposal, observing that it “would certainly resolve many problems in the TASMAC.”
Justice Pugalendhi further emphasised that employee transfers should be considered through the proposed counselling process rather than being based merely on allegations.
Disposing of the writ petitions, the High Court granted the respondents liberty to decide transfers during counselling. It also directed TASMAC to install CCTV cameras in all its shops and ensure monitoring from regional offices.
No costs were awarded, and the connected miscellaneous petitions were closed.
