Jayavarthanaraja. J v. Tamil Nadu Power Distribution

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 08.07.2025 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH V.Janakiraman (Deceased) represented by its legal heirs 1.Jayavarthanaraja J S/o V.Janakiraman (Late)

2. Kanagarathinam S/o V.Janakiraman (Late) ..

Petitioners vs

1. Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) 10th Floor, 144, Anna Salai Chennai 600 002 represented by its Chairman and Managing Director

2. The Superintending Engineer TNPDCL, Coimbatore South Electricity Distribution Circle Coimbatore ..

Respondents Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to permit the petitioners to pay the Security Deposit of Rs.19,91,851/- along

with restoration charges and other charges in 6 monthly installments. For Petitioners ::

Mr.R.S.Pandiyaraj For Respondents ::

Mr.L.Jaivenkatesh Standing Counsel

ORDER

W.M.P.No.25661 of 2025 seeking to permit the petitioners to file a single writ petition stands ordered on payment of single Court fee.

2. This writ petition has been filed for issuance of a mandamus directing the second respondent to permit the petitioners to pay the Security Deposit of Rs.19,91,851/- along with restoration charges and other charges in six monthly installments.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents.

4. In the considered view of this Court, this writ petition is more in

the nature of a mercy petition. This is in view of the fact that under Regulation 22(6) of the Electricity Supply Code, the security deposit has to be made in one lumpsum and only then, the service connection will be restored. In the case on hand, the service connection was disconnected in the year 2023 and the petitioners are seeking for restoration of service connection and therefore, the respondents are insisting for the payment of security deposit. If this Court entertains the present writ petition and permit the petitioners to pay it in installments, it will set a precedent and everyone will come before this Court seeking for a similar relief. Therefore, instead of opening a floodgate, it will be more appropriate for this Court to stick to the condition prescribed in the Supply Code.

5. In view of the same, the relief as such sought for by the petitioners cannot be granted by this Court and the writ petition is dismissed. No costs. Index : yes/no 08.07.2025 ss

To

1. The Chairman and Managing Director Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) 10th Floor, 144, Anna Salai Chennai 600 002

2. The Superintending Engineer TNPDCL, Coimbatore South Electricity Distribution Circle Coimbatore

N.ANAND VENKATESH,J.

ss 08.07.2025