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Madras High CourtWP/26372/2025disposed of

R.Rupas v. The Superintending Engineer

2025-07-22Honourable Mr Justice N. Anand Venkatesh4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 22.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH R.Rupas S/o.Ramesh ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Superintending Engineer, TNPDCL (Elsewhere TANGEDCO), Tiruppathur Electricity Distribution Circle, No.07, Balammaal Colony, Tiruppathur - 635 601.

2.The Chief Engineer, Distribution, TNPDCL - Vellore Region, 10th East Main Road, Kamaraj Building - Gandhi Nagar, Vellore - 632 006.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 26.06.2025 and reject all tender documents filed by the blood relatives of the departmental employees during evaluation process of Open Tender Specification No.01/2025-ID-EB 5666812025 dated 29.06.2025 to minimize irregularities and corrupt practices. 1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Deivasigamani For Respondents : Mr.S.Madhusudhanan Standing Counsel *****

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representation made by the petitioner on 26.06.2025 wherein the petitioner is seeking for rejection of all tender documents filed by the blood relatives of the employees, who are working in the department, during evaluation process of Open Tender Specification dated 29.06.2025 in order to minimize irregularities and corrupt practices.

2. Heard Mr.S.Deivasigamani, learned counsel for petitioner and Mr.S.Madhusudhanan, learned Standing Counsel appearing for respondents.

3. In the considered view of this Court, the present writ petition is more in the nature of a Public Interest Litigation. According to the petitioner, there are many instances where tender applicants, who are mostly blood relatives of the department employees, form a cartel and knock off the bids. Therefore, the petitioner submitted a representation to the respondents to deal 2/4

with the same and to reject the tender documents wherever it is found ineligible.

4. The nature of relief sought for by the petitioners is too general. The allegation made by the petitioner is normally a disqualification for submitting a bid. Therefore, if such disqualification is present, the authority will deal with the same on a case to case basis. Even otherwise, if ultimately it is found that the bid has been given in favour of a person, who is so disqualified, the unsuccessful bidder can always question the same in accordance with law. Therefore, a mandamus can never be issued on mere apprehensions and on a general complaint of this nature. Except giving this clarity, no further orders can be passed in this writ petition. This writ petition is disposed of in the above terms. No costs. 22.07.2025 Index: yes/no Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order gm 3/4

N.ANAND VENKATESH, J.

gm To 1.The Superintending Engineer, TNPDCL (Elsewhere TANGEDCO), Tiruppathur Electricity Distribution Circle, No.07, Balammaal Colony, Tiruppathur - 635 601.

2.The Chief Engineer, Distribution, TNPDCL - Vellore Region, 10th East Main Road, Kamaraj Building - Gandhi Nagar, Vellore - 632 006.

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