R.Abdul Latheef v. The Chairman
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 22.06.2016
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE N.KIRUBAKARAN W.P. No. 20799 of 2016 R.Abdul Latheef
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.
The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Mount Road, Chennai.
2.
The Divisional Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Valluvarkottam, Chennai.
3.
The Superintendent, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Valluvarkottam, Chennai.
...Respondents
Prayer:
Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issue of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents herein to consider the representation dated 24.05.2016 and to take immediate action by providing adequate staffs to attend the electrical faults.
For Petitioner :
Mr.C.Lingam For Respondents :
Mr.P.R.Dhilip Kumar
ORDER
The petitioner has approached this Court stating that there was no power supply due to some technical problem on 21.05.2016 and inspite of many efforts made by the petitioner, the respondents have not taken care to segregate things and restore
the electricity. On 25.05.2016, the power was restored. According to him, there was no proper answer and no effective steps taken immediately to segregate the fault by the Electricity Board authorities resulting in harassment to the petitioner and other public. Therefore, the petitioner has given a representation dated 24.05.2016 to the respondents to take immediate action by providing adequate staffs to attend the electrical faults. Since the said representation has not been disposed of, the petitioner has come forward with the present writ petition.
2. Heard Mr.C.Lingam, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.P.R.Dhilip Kumar, learned counsel for the respondents.
3. It is true that whenever there is an electrical disturbance in power supply, there will be frantic calls from the public. Without power, it is impossible for any one to lead normal life even for 10 to 15 minutes. Power is absolutely essential for life, without which, life could be miserable. Therefore, it is a bounden duty of the respondents to take care of the electrical faults/disturbances and to ensure that there is no interruption in the power supply. However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the Electricity Board is functioning round the clock and staffs are also available, though not in expected numbers. When there is power failure, the staffs are under constant heavy pressure and they are unable to act promptly. It has become an order of the day. Therefore, the respondents will have to attend the calls forthwith, whenever there is power failure.
4. With the above observation, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.
Sd/- Assistant Registrar(CS IV) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar
rk To 1.
The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Mount Road, Chennai.
2.
The Divisional Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Valluvarkottam, Chennai.
3.
The Superintendent, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Valluvarkottam, Chennai.
W.P. No. 20799 of 2016 CTK (CO) PSI (23/07/2016)