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Madras High CourtWP/18670/2026disposed of

R.Kannan v. The Chairman Cum Managing Director

2026-06-02Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA R.Kannan Line Inspector, O/o AE / 110 / 22 KV SS / Puthupattu, Sankarapuram West Sub Division, Sankarapuram Division, Kallakurichi Electricity Distribution Circle, Kallakurichi District, ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Chairman cum Managing Director Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd., Chennai 600 002

2. The Chief Engineer Distribution, Thiruvannamalai Region, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd.,Thiruvannamlai

3. The Superintending Engineer Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd.,Kallakurichi Electricity Distribution Circle, Kallakurichi

4. The Assistant Engineer (O and M) Town Chinna Salem Sub Division, Kallakurichi Division, Kallakurichi Electricity Distribution Circle, Kallakurichi ..Respondent(s)

Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 3 to pass orders on the representation for Re-Enquiry dated 20.11.2025, 03.01.2026, and 23.02.2026 given by the petitioner against the report of the enquiry officer in pursuant to the memo in Ku. Aa. No 3112- 2/Me.Po / Ka. Mi. Pa. Va / Kallai / Ni. A / Ni. Pi. II / Assistant 3 / Ko. O.Na/ 2025 dated 06.11.2025 on the file of the 3rd respondent and reject the report of the enquiry office on the basis that it was not supported by the Statements of the witnesses, as well as the documentary evidences and substantiate the charge on the basis of materials on record or should establish that there was probability that the charges are made out.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.S.Doraiswamy For Respondent(s):

Mr.C.Manoharan Standing Counsel Order This writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 3 to pass orders on the representations for Re-Enquiry dated 20.11.2025, 03.01.2026, and 23.02.2026 submitted by the petitioner against the report of the enquiry officer pursuant to the memo in Ku. Aa. No 3112- 2/Me.Po / Ka. Mi. Pa. Va / Kallai / Ni. A / Ni. Pi. II / Assistant 3 / Ko. O.Na/ 2025 dated 06.11.2025 on the file of the 3rd respondent.

2. The case of the petitioner is that he was appointed as an Assistant in the respondent Board through direct recruitment on 01.03.2014. Thereafter, he was promoted as a Wireman in the year 2018 and subsequently promoted as Line Inspector and posted at Puthupattu Sub-Station on 30.11.2024.

3. While so, the 3rd respondent had issued a charge memo dated 25.02.2025 alleging that, during the restoration of a damaged 11 KV High Tension electricity line across the Thenpennai River following the Fengal Cyclone, the petitioner had engaged four persons who were not employees of the respondent Board and that one among them, namely Dilipkumar, was swept away by the river and remained untraceable. The petitioner submitted his explanation on 07.03.2025. Thereafter, an enquiry was conducted by the 4th respondent, who submitted a report confirming the charges. Based on the said report, the 3rd respondent had issued a further memo dated 06.11.2025 calling upon the petitioner to submit his explanation. The petitioner submitted his explanation on 20.11.2025 before the 3rd respondent, followed by a reminder on 03.01.2026.

Even thereafter, no order was passed by the 3rd respondent. Hence, he made a representation to the respondents 1 to 3 on 23.02.2026 requesting them to take action on his explanation. However, no action has been taken to date. Hence, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that it would suffice if a direction is issued to the respondents 1 to 3 to pass orders on the explanation submitted by the petitioner on 20.11.2025.

4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel appearing for respondents.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, respondents 1 to 3 are directed to consider the petitioner's explanation dated 20.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible.

6. With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 02-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRN

To

1. The Chairman cum Managing Director Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd., Chennai 600 002

2. The Chief Engineer Distribution, Thiruvannamalai Region, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd., Thiruvannamlai

3. The Superintending Engineer Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd., Kallakurichi Electricity Distribution Circle, Kallakurichi

4. The Assistant Engineer (O and M) Town Chinna Salem Sub Division, Kallakurichi Division, Kallakurichi Electricity Distribution Circle, Kallakurichi

P.T.ASHA J.

SRN 02-06-2026