K.Mahalakshmi, v. The Chairman,
2024:MHC:2216
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 10.06.2024
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH K.Mahalakshmi .... Petitioner Vs 1.The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Tamil Nadu Generation and Electricity, Distribution Corporation Ltd., Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Assistant Electrical Engineer, (O & M), Tamil Nadu Generation and Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd., Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Nenmeli, Meleripakkam, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Chengalpattu District.
.... Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to give electricity service connection to the petitioner's house situated in S.No.102/1A, Keezhavedu, Nenmeli, Meleripakkam, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Chengalpattu District. 1/4
For Respondents : Mr.L.Jai Venkatesh Standing Counsel
O R D E R
Mr.Jai Venkatesh, learned Standing Counsel accepts notice for the respondents and is armed with necessary instructions to enable a final disposal of this Writ Petition, even at the stage of admission.
2. The petitioner claims to be a resident of a sheet house at S.No.102/1A, Keezhavedu, Nenmeli, Meleripakkam, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Chengalpattu District ('property'/'property in question'). He has made an application on line before Assistant Electrical Engineer, Tangedco/R2 on 22.05.2024 seeking domestic service connection. The application is, admittedly, pending and no charges have been paid neither any requisite documents been enclosed.
3. At paragrah 4 of the affidavit, the petitioner refers to an order passed in W.P.No.13749 of 2024 dated 16.05.2024, wherein this Court is stated to have ordered the Tangedco to give service connection to houses situated even on temple land with the caveat that no ownership/title may be claimed by the house owner based on such electricity connection.
4. However, on instructions, Mr.Venkatesh would submit that the property in question is a poramboke land belonging to the Government. 2/4
5. Be that as it may, it is incumbent upon the authorities to call for requisite documents, hear the petitioner and thereafter dispose the application either positively or otherwise and it is inappropriate to keep the same pending indefinitely.
6. Hence, mandamus is issued to R2 to hear the petitioner, call for requisite documents, examine the same and thereafter take a view on the application in accordance with law and all applicable rules and regulations, within a period of four (4) weeks from date of receipt of a copy of this order.
7. This Writ Petition is disposed as above. No costs. 10.06.2024 Sl Index:Yes/No Speaking order:Yes To 1.The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Tamil Nadu Generation and Electricity, Distribution Corporation Ltd., Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
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Dr.ANITA SUMANTH,J.
sl 2.The Assistant Electrical Engineer, (O & M), Tamil Nadu Generation and Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd., Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Nenmeli, Meleripakkam, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Chengalpattu District.
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