Madras High CourtWP/20351/2023disposed of

E.Thilagavathi v. The Superintending Engineer

2023-07-18Honourable Mr Justice N. Seshasayee4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 18.07.2023 CORAM: JUSTICE N.SESHASAYEE E.Thilagavathi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Superintending Engineer TNEB (TANGEDCO) Dharmapuri 2.The Assistant Divisional Engineer Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TANGEDCO) Illakiyampatti, Collectorate Post Dharmapuri ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representation letter dated 15.12.2022 and the reminder letter dated 12.04.2023 and consequently direct the respondents to refund the security deposit, being a sum of Rs.3,29,947/- made by the petitioner in SC No.0090042650 with appropriate interest within timeframe.

For Petitioner :

Mr.S.Sivanandam For Respondents :

Ms.Daniel Mary Standing Counsel for TANGEDCO

O R D E R

The petitioner has filed this petition for a mandamus to direct the respondents to pay a sum of Rs.3,29,947/- which represents the security deposit owing to the surrender of electricity connection by him.

2. The liability is admitted by the respondents. The learned counsel for the respondents submits that the delay has occasioned owing to some administrative delay in the headquarters. The administrative delay as now stated by the learned counsel for the respondents is internal to the respondents and it shall not affect the interest or right of the petitioner indefinitely. Therefore, this court directs the respondents to pay the petitioner a sum of Rs.3,29,947/- along with an interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the said sum within a period of eight weeks. If the amount is not paid within the next four weeks, the respondents will pay a higher interest of 6% per annum on the said sum. In case of default, the petitioner is liable to pay interest @ 7.5% thereafter.

3. With the above direction the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

18.07.2023 Asr To 1.The Superintending Engineer TNEB (TANGEDCO) Dharmapuri 2.The Assistant Divisional Engineer Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TANGEDCO) Illakiyampatti, Collectorate Post Dharmapuri 3.The Government Pleader, High Court, Madras N.SESHASAYEE, J.,

Asr 18.07.2023