M.Balaraman v. The Government Of Tamilnadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 25.10.2025
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI and W.M.P. Nos.26444 and 26448 of 2023 M.Balaraman Petitioner Vs
1. The Government of Tamilnadu Rep. by Secretary to Government, Energy Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Regulatory Commission, No. 18, Third Main Road, Seethammal Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai - 18.
3.The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TANGEDCO), Rep. by its Chairman No. 800 Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
4.The Superintending Engineer (TANGEDCO), Chengalpattu Electricity Distribution Circle, Chengalpattu.
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5.The Assistant Executive Engineer Operations and Maintenance, East Guduvancherry, Guduvancherry, Chengalpattu 603 202.
Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue Writ of Certiorari, calling for the entire records relating to the impugned order passed by the 5th respondent in his letter dated 03.06.2023 and quash the same and pass orders as this Court may deem fit and proper. For petitioner : Mr.S. Ranjith Kumar For respondents : Mrs. S. Anitha Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 Mr.L. Jaivenkatesh for R2 to R5 - - - - - -
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed to call for the entire records relating to the impugned order passed by the 5th respondent, vide letter dated 03.06.2023 and quash the same.
2. It is stated that the petitioner was granted a domestic electricity service connection for his house by the respondent Electricity Board. On 07.10.2022, the electricity connection was disconnected for non-payment. Subsequently, it was alleged that the petitioner had tampered with the meter and consumed electricity through a disconnected meter. The line man inspected the premises, 2/6
recorded a video, and an MRT report was prepared and stated that the said electricity connection was an unauthorised one. Subsequently, on 03.06.2023, the respondent/ Electricity Board imposed a sum of Rs.79,684/- for unauthorised reconnection and pursuant to which, the petitioner has paid a sum of Rs.12,824/- on the same day itself. Shockingly, on 07.07.2023, the respondent / Electricity Board imposed a penalty of Rs.93,039/- stating the same unauthorised reconnection. While so, the petitioner has submitted a representation on 17.07.2023 in the above regard, but the same has not been responded. Further, the petitioner also sought MRT report through RTI for the period from 01.10.2022 till 28.06.2022. It is the grievance of the petitioner that he has not made any unauthorised reconnection as alleged by the respondent. Despite his aforesaid grievances, the same were not properly considered and in such circumstances, this writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned order dated 03.06.2023 passed by the 5th respondent.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that without furnishing MRT report in respect of electricity connection for petitioner's house, the act of suddenly disconnecting the three phase connection by the respondents stating unauthorised connection is highly arbitrary and illegal. Thus, the impugned order dated 03.06.2023 issued by the 5th respondent is liable to be quashed. At the time of arguments, this Court posed queries with regard to the electricity service connection in dispute and the charges / penalty imposed by the 3/6
respondents for the same. Thereafter, learned counsel submitted that the petitioner has already paid a sum of Rs.40,000/- at the time of admission of the writ petition, pursuant to the orders passed by this Court on 14.09.2023. Further, on instructions, he fairly submitted that the petitioner is willing to pay the balance amount of Rs.53,039/- and prayed before this Court to accord sufficient time to make the aforesaid payment. In view of the above, he seeks for issuance of appropriate directions by this Court and upon such payment, the relevant file may be closed.
4. Responding to the aforesaid submission, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents contended that apart from the total demand of Rs.93,039/-, the petitioner is also liable to pay BPSC charges and on such payment, the respondents will close the file and this Court may issue suitable directions, accordingly.
5. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the entire records.
6. In view of the submissions made by learned counsel on either sides and considering that the petitioner has already paid a sum of Rs.40,000/-, this Court issues the following directions :- a) The petitioner is directed to pay the balance sum of Rs.53,039/- (Rupees Fifty three thousand and thirty nine only), within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 4/6
b) Upon receipt of the said amount along with applicable consumption charges, the respondents shall close the assessment proceedings and relevant file as against the petitioner. Further, the respondents shall not levy BPSC charges, in view of earlier payment of Rs.40,000/- made by the petitioner. The respondents / Electricity Board also directed to effect reconnection of service connection to the petitioner's house, if not already done, in accordance with law.
7. With the aforesaid directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 25.10.2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order vsi2 To
1. The Secretary to Government, The Government of Tamil Nadu Energy Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Regulatory Commission, No. 18, Third Main Road, Seethammal Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai - 18.
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M. DHANDAPANI, J.
vsi2 3.The Chairman The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TANGEDCO), No. 800 Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
4.The Superintending Engineer (TANGEDCO), Chengalpattu Electricity Distribution Circle, Chengalpattu.
5.The Assistant Executive Engineer Operations and Maintenance, East Guduvancherry, Guduvancherry, Chengalpattu 603 202.
and W.M.P. Nos.26444 and 26448 of 2023 25.10.2025 6/6