ORDER : Heard the learned counsels appearing for the parties concerned. 2. At this stage of the hearing of the writ petition, the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents had submitted that the petitioner had preferred a statutory appeal, dated 18.1.2008, under Rule 19 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules challenging the impugned order, dated 8.1.2008, before the first respondent and the said statutory appeal filed by the petitioner is pending on the file of the first respondent. In such circumstances, the present writ petition is not maintainable. 3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner had not refuted the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing for the respondents that a statutory appeal had been filed by the petitioner, before the first respondent, under Rule 19 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, and that the said appeal is pending disposal. 4. In such circumstances, the first respondent is directed to dispose of the statutory appeal filed by the petitioner, dated 18.1.2008, on merits and in accordance with law, after giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. However, it is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the matter. The Writ Petition is disposed of, with the above directions. Connected M.P.No.1 of 2012 is closed. No costs.