S.Selvaraj v. The Superintending Engineer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 19.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI And W.M.P.No.22003 of 2024 S.Selvaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Superintending Engineer, MEDC/ Central, TNEB, Chennai - 2.

2.The Executive Engineer, Egmore, MEDC, Central, TNEB, Chennai - 17.

3.The Assistant Engineer, MEDC/ Central, TNEB, Pulianthope, Chennai - 12.

... Respondents Prayer:

Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the third respondent to consider the representation dated 06.06.2023, for adjustment of Excess Security Deposit amount of Rs.2,57,899/- available with the respondents, and liable to be refunded, towards the amount payable. 1/5

For Petitioner : Mr.B.Divakaran For Respondents : Ms.Sindhuza for Mr.L.Jaivenkatesh

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the third respondent to consider the representation for adjustment of Excess Security Deposit amount of Rs.2,57,899/- available with the respondents, and liable to be refunded, towards the amount payable.

2.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was sanctioned electricity service connection with load of 83 KV for running a small scale industry and due to his old age and other facts like huge escalation in manufacturing cost, non availability of labourers, cheap and alternative products flooding the market and transportation cost, coupled with steep increase in electricity charges, the petitioner decided to close down the unit and requested the respondents for reduction to 5 KV and the same was also sanctioned by the respondents, however, the security deposit paid by the petitioner for 83 KV of load was not refunded to the petitioner and hence, the petitioner made representations to the respondents 2/5

seeking to adjust the security deposit paid by the petitioner for 83 KV of Rs.2,57,899/- towards the amount payable by the petitioner of Rs.1,53,175/- and to adjust the balance amount in the petitioner's future bills, however, the respondents are directing the petitioner to pay the amount of Rs.1,53,175/- and is also not refunding the amount paid by the petitioner. Hence, this Court may issue direction to the respondents to adjust the security deposit paid by the petitioner for 83KV of Rs.2,57,899/- towards the amount payable by the petitioner of Rs.1,53,175/- and to adjust the balance amount in the petitioner's future bills or to refund the balance amount to the petitioner. 3.Heard the arguments advanced on either side and perused the materials available on record.

4.Perusal of records disclose that the petitioner was sanctioned electricity service connection with load of 83 KV for running a small scale industry and due to his old age and other factors, the petitioner decided to close down the unit and requested the respondents for reduction to 5 KV and the same was also sanctioned by the respondents, however, the security deposit paid by the petitioner for 83 KV of load was not refunded to the petitioner. 3/5

5.In view of the above, this Court directs the respondents to pass appropriate orders, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, to either refund the security deposit paid by the petitioner for 83 KV or to adjust the amount in future bills. 6.The writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 19.11.2025 pri Index: Yes/ No Speaking Order: Yes/ No NCC: Yes/ No To 1.The Superintending Engineer, MEDC/ Central, TNEB, Chennai - 2.

2.The Executive Engineer, Egmore, MEDC, Central, TNEB, Chennai - 17.

3.The Assistant Engineer, MEDC/ Central, TNEB, Pulianthope, Chennai - 12.

4/5

M.DHANDAPANI,J.

pri And W.M.P.No.22003 of 2024 19.11.2025 5/5