Madras High CourtWP/6125/2026dismissed as infructuous

Dr.R.Vasudevan v. The District Collector / District Magistrate

2026-02-23Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA and WMP.Nos.6626 and 6628 of 2026 Dr.R.Vasudevan ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector / District Magistrate Cuddalore, Cuddalore District

2. The District (project officer) NH-45C National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Thanjavur

3. The Chairman Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) Chennai

4. The Superintending Engineer Electricity Distribution division, TANGEDCO, Cuddalore

5. The Executive Engineer TANGEDCO, Neyveli

6. The Tahsildar Bhuvanagiri Taluk, Cuddalore District

7. The Project Director NHAI, project Implementation Unit, Thanjavur

8. The Project Manager Patel Infrastructure Limited, Pappankudi (North), Udayarpalayam Taluk, Ariyalur District ..Respondent(s) Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to the impugned order of the first Respondent in Na.Ka.L.3/2484391/2024 dated 02.01.2025 and quash the same and direct the Respondents to forbear from erecting high-tension electric transmission tower in the petitioners lands in S.No.67/2A1 of extent 12 1/2 Cents in Sethiyathoppu Village, Bhuvanagiri Taluk, Cuddalore District.

For Petitioner(s):

M/s.S.Vasantharaman For Respondent(s):

Mr.D.R.Arunkumar, Standing Counsel, for R3 to R5 Mr.S.Rajesh, G.A., for RR1, 2, 6 & 7

ORDER

The petitioner seeks to quash the order passed by the first respondent dated 02.01.2025 and to direct the first respondent to forbear from erecting a high-tension electric transmission tower on the petitioner's property.

2. It is brought to the notice of this Court that high-tension electric transmission tower has already been erected. Therefore, the claim with regard to preventing the erection of the tower has become infructuous. However, the

petitioner's requests for compensation has also been turned down by virtue of the impugned order, which is challenged in this Writ Petition.

3. Having considered the provisions of Section 16(3) of the Telegraph Act and the judgment of the Division Bench of this Court in W.A.No.380 of 2020, dated 18.02.2021, it is evident that the petitioner has to move the District Court. The power to adjudicate the disputes between the telegraph authority and the landowner, including claims for compensation, is vested in the District Court.

4. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is dismissed. However, liberty is given to the petitioner to approach the District Court. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 23-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order PVS

1. The District Collector / District Magistrate Cuddalore, Cuddalore District

2. The District (project officer) NH-45C National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Thanjavur

3. The Chairman Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), Chennai.

4. The Superintending Engineer Electricity Distribution division, TANGEDCO, Cuddalore.

5. The Executive Engineer TANGEDCO, Neyveli.

6. The Tahsildar Bhuvanagiri Taluk, Cuddalore District.

7. The Project Director NHAI, project Implementation Unit, Thanjavur.

8. The Project Manager Patel Infrastructure Limited, Pappankudi (North), Udayarpalayam Taluk, Ariyalur District

P.T.ASHA, J.

PVS 23-02-2026