A.Punniakodi, v. Dr. A.Muthamma, I.A.S., And 2 Others
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 06.08.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE Mr. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN A.Punniakodi ... Petitioner Vs.
1. Dr.A.Muthamma, I.A.S., Union of India, Secretary (Electricity), Chief Secretariat, Puducherry.
2. Rajesh Sanyal, Superintending Engineer, Electricity Department, Government of Puducherry, Vambakeerapalayam Road, Puducherry.
3. Pazhanivel, Junior Engineer, Office of Junior Engineer, Electricity Department, Thirubuvanai 110/22KV, Sub Station, Puducherry.
... Respondents
Prayer:- Contempt petition has been filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, praying to punish the respondents for willfuly disobey the order passed by this Court in W.P.No.25315 of 2022 dated 14.06.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.J.Rajmohan For Respondents : Mr.A.Tamilvanan Additional Government Pleader (Pondy)
ORDER
This Contempt Petition has been filed to punish the respondents for non compliance of the order dated 14.06.2024, passed by this Court in W.P.No.25315 of 2022, thereby directed the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 31.01.2022, seeking compensation for the death of the petitioner's paternal aunt due to electrocution, in the light of the judgment and decree passed in O.W.No.195 of 2021 dated 20.12.2022 on the file of the learned Principal District Judge, Puducherry, within a period of twelve weeks.
2.
The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner received the funeral expenses due to the electrocution death of
his paternal aunt, since she has no issue. Further, the petitioner is the only person who looked after his paternal aunt and her entire funeral. Therefore, the petitioner is entitled for compensation. He also submitted that the petitioner is ready and willing to execute indemnity bond to the tune of the compensation amount.
3.
The learned Additional Government Pleader (Pondy) appearing for the respondents submitted that in pursuant to the order passed by this Court, the petitioner called for enquiry. During the enquiry, the petitioner was directed to produce legal heir certificate of his deceased paternal aunt. However, the petitioner, who is being the Class-II legal heir, has to obtain succession certificate by way of the Succession Original Petition. He further submitted that unless otherwise, if the petitioner produce the succession certificate, the claim of the petitioner cannot be considered. 4.
Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed before this Court.
5.
Admittedly, there is no rival claim from any of the party claiming compensation from the respondents except the petitioner. Further the petitioner duly received funeral expenses on the death of his paternal aunt. It will also take time to obtain succession certificate as directed by the respondents. In view of the above facts and circumstances, the respondents are directed to disburse the compensation for the death of the petitioner's paternal aunt, on execution of indemnity bond to the said amount within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this Order. Thereafter, the petitioner shall produce the succession certificate before the respondents, within a period of six months from the date of receipt of the compensation and on production of the same, the respondents are directed to cancel the indemnity bond executed by the petitioner. 6.
With the above directions, the Contempt Petition stands disposed of.
06.08.2025 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No Speaking/Non Speaking order rts
To
1. The Secretary (Electricity), Union of India, Chief Secretariat, Puducherry.
2. The Superintending Engineer, Electricity Department, Government of Puducherry, Vambakeerapalayam Road, Puducherry.
3.The Junior Engineer, Office of Junior Engineer, Electricity Department, Thirubuvanai 110/22KV, Sub Station, Puducherry.
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.
rts 06.08.2025