M/S.Roever Engineering College v. The Chairman
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 24.06.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH and W.M.P.Nos.25452, 25453 & 25454 of 2025 M/s.Roever Engineering College, represented by its Chairman, Dr.K.Varadharaajen, S/o.Krishnasamy, Roever Engineering College, Elambalur, Perambalur District - 621 220.
Petitioner Vs 1.The Chairman, TANGEDCO, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Superintendent Engineer, TANGEDCO, 230, KV Sub Station Campus, Four Road, Perambalur - 621 220.
3.The Junior Engineer, Operation & Maintenance, TANGEDCO Perambalur North, Perambalur - 621 212.
Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to the impugned demand notice bearing No.f/vz;- 1/6
,/kp/bgh-,/fh-t-bgu-nfh/jdp-m/vz;/NIL/2024 issued by the third respondent dated 18.11.2024, quash the same and consequently, direct the respondents not to combine or club the regular monthly electricity charges with the alleged arrears or installment amounts in future electricity bills.
For Petitioner : Mr.G.Ilamurugu For Respondents : Mr.D.Suresh Kumar Standing Counsel [TNEB] *****
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned demand notice issued by the third respondent dated 18.11.2024 and for a direction to the respondents to collect the arrears of electricity dues in installments and to restore the service connection, which has been disconnected.
2. Heard Mr.G.Ilamurugu, learned counsel for petitioner and Mr.D.Suresh Kumar, learned Standing Counsel [TNEB] appearing for respondents.
3. The petitioner is running an educational institution. During an inspection conducted on 06.11.2024, it was found that the petitioner had not paid electricity charges for the period from September 2017 to October 2024 to the tune of Rs.24,75,806/-. Hence, the petitioner was directed to pay the amount within a period of seven days by virtue of the 2/6
impugned demand notice issued by the third respondent dated 18.11.2024.
4. The petitioner, thereafter, requested the respondents that they will pay the charges in ten installments. Accordingly, the petitioner was permitted to pay the total amount due and payable in ten installments starting from April 2025. The petitioner was able to fulfil the obligation for two months i.e. April and May'2025. Since the petitioner did not make payment for third installment in June 2025, the respondents proceeded to disconnect the service connection and also directed the petitioner to pay the entire balance amount due and payable. It is under these circumstances, the petitioner has come before this Court challenging the demand notice issued by the third respondent.
5. In the considered view of this Court, there is no question of interfering with the demand notice issued by the third respondent since the petitioner has accepted the same and was also willing to pay the amount in installments. Considering the request made by the petitioner, the respondents permitted the petitioner to pay the amount in ten installments. The petitioner paid two installments and failed to pay the 3/6
third installment, resulting in the service connection being disconnected.
6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and taking note of the fact that the petitioner is running an educational institution for which service connection will be required, the petitioner is directed to pay the balance amount in eight (8) equal monthly installments starting from 25.06.2025. On the payment of first instalment, the service connection would be restored. It is made clear that the petitioner will settle the balance seven instalments on or before 25th of each month commencing from July'2025. If the petitioner fails to pay the instalment amount before the due date for any of the months, it is left open to the respondents to proceed further in accordance with law. This writ petition is disposed of in the above terms. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 24.06.2025 Note: Issue order copy today [24.06.2025] Index: Yes/no Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order gm 4/6
To 1.The Chairman, TANGEDCO, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Superintendent Engineer, TANGEDCO, 230, KV Sub Station Campus, Four Road, Perambalur - 621 220.
3.The Junior Engineer, Operation & Maintenance, TANGEDCO Perambalur North, Perambalur - 621 212.
N.ANAND VENKATESH, J gm 5/6
24.06.2025 6/6