Madras High CourtWP/10285/2026disposed of

J.Benedict v. The Executive Engineer

2026-03-17Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 17-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI AND WMP NO. 11146 OF 2026,WMP NO. 11144 OF 2026,WMP NO. 11145 OF

1. J.Benedict

2. Sangeetha ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Executive Engineer Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, TANGEDCO, Thudialur SS, K.Vadamadurai, Coimbatore-641 017

2. The Assistant Executive Engineer Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, TANGEDCO, Operation and Management, Coimbatore North Electricity Distribution Circle, Periyanaickanpalayam, Coimbatore-641 020 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to the impugned order dated 09.02.2026 having Reference vide Letter No.461 passed by the 2nd respondent in respect of free agriculture Electricity Service connection No.136-004-450 quash the same and consequently direct the

2nd respondent to forthwith restore electricity supply to the petitioners agricultural service connection bearing No.136-004-450 situated in Survey No.241/3, Vellamadai Village, Coimbatore North Taluk, Coimbatore For Petitioner(s):

Mr.R.Bharath Kumar For Respondent(s):

Mr.L.Jaivenkatesh, Standing counsel Order This writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned order dated 09.02.2026, whereby the petitioner was demanded a sum of Rs.4,12,448/- towards extra levy and also seeks further direction to forthwith restore electricity supply connection.

2. Case of the petitioners is that they are the absolute owners of certain extent of agricultural land situated at Vellamadai Village, Coimbatore North Taluk, Coimbatore. Their vendors had obtained a free agricultural electricity service connection for the said land and now the petitioners are using the said service connection only for irrigation purpose. While so, the 2nd respondent conducted a surprise inspection on 31.01.2026 and issued a provisional Assessment Order, alleging that the petitioners are using the free agricultural electricity service connection for drawing water for residential purposes through concealed PVC pipelines, thereby committing unauthorized use of electricity and a sum of Rs.4,12,447/- was assessed towards extra levy and a further sum

of Rs.24,000/- was demanded towards compounding charges and on the same date, the electricity supply was disconnected by the 2nd respondent. Thereafter the 2nd respondent had passed the impugned Final Assessment Order dated 09.02.2026 demanding a sum of Rs.4,12,448/- and subsequently by a letter dated 13.02.2026, the said official also insisted upon the payment of the said amount for restoration of electricity supply. Against the impugned order dated 09.02.2026, the petitioner has filed this writ petition.

3. Though very many grounds have been raised by the learned counsel for the petitioners, they limited their prayer to the extent that this Court may permit the petitioners to file an appeal before the appellate authority.

4. Heard the counsel for the petitioner. Since no adverse orders are passed against the respondents, notice to them is not necessary. This Court is inclined to dispose of this writ petition based on available records.

5. In view of the limited prayer sought for by the petitioners, this Court permits the petitioners to file an appeal before the appellate authority within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The appellate authority shall pass appropriate orders after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioners, within a further period of six weeks thereafter.

6. In the meanwhile, for immediate restoration of electricity service connection, the petitioners are directed to pay the demanded amount in four instalments. First instalment shall be 40% of the demanded amount; and the balance amount shall be paid in three equal instalments of 20% each, on or before the 7th day of the next three successive months.. The payment of the entire amount shall be subject to the result of the appeal filed to be filed before the appellate authority.

7. The writ Petition stands disposed of with the above directions. No costs. Consequently connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 17-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK Note:Issue order copy on 18.03.2026.

1. The Executive Engineer Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, TANGEDCO, Thudialur SS, K.Vadamadurai, Coimbatore-641 017

M.DHANDAPANI J.

sk AND WMP NO. 11146 OF 2026,WMP NO. 11144 OF 2026,WMP NO. 11145 OF 17-03-2026