M/S. Mefco Energy Power Pvt. Ltd., v. The Chairman
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 15.09.2023
CORAM
MR.JUSTICE N.SESHASAYEE W.P.No.27249 and 27252 of 2023 M/s.Mefco Energy Power Pvt Ltd., 95A,(NP) Sidco Industrial Estate, Ambattur Chennai 600 0098 by its Authorized Signatory Dharshen.G ... Petitioner in W.P.No.27249 of 2023 M/s.Mefco Power Pvt. Ltd., No.1, 3rd Street, Dr.Thirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600034 by its Authorized Signatory Dharshen. G ... Petitioner in W.P.No.27252 of 2023 Vs.
1.The Chairman, Chennai-600 002.
2.The Chief Engineer, Non Conventional Energy Sources, Chennai - 600 002.
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3.The Director/Generation, Corporation Limited, 144, Anna Salai Chennai 600 002.
...Respondents in both W.Ps
Prayer in 27249 of 2023:The writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents, to refund Rs.10,00,000/- payable to the petitioner along with interest towards refundable security deposit in the account of the petitioner's Solar Power Plant HTSC No.422.
Prayer in 27252 of 2023:The writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents, to refund Rs.10,00,000/- payable to the petitioner along with interest towards refundable security deposit in the account of the petitioner's Solar Power Plant HTSC No.423.
In both the W.Ps For Petitioner : Mr.S.Lakshmipathy For Respondents : Mr.D.R.Arunkumar Standing Counsel for TANGEDCO 2/6
COMMON ORDER The petitioners herein are generator of solar energy, and they have made some security deposit at the time they commenced the project, which is liable to be refunded once the solar energy plant gets commissioned. 2.Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners have commissioned the solar energy plant within the time stipulated, and hence they are entitled to the return of the security deposit. 3.Mr.D.R.Arunkumar, the learned Standing Counsel for TANGEDCO, takes notice for respondents, and submitted that, as per the norms, the solar energy generation should have been commissioned within a period of one year, and there are instances where this time period may also be extended. Therefore, the return of the security deposit essentially depends on whether the petitioners are eligible for a refund.
4.In view of the above, the respondents are now required to consider the 3/6
petitioners' representation for refund. In the eventuality of the respondents not agreeing with the petitioners' request for a refund, the respondents are required to give a personal audience to the petitioners or their representatives and then pass appropriate orders. The whole exercise is directed to be concluded within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of an online copy or the date on which the order is hosted in the official website, whichever is earlier. 5.These Writ Petitions stand disposed of accordingly. No Costs. 15.09.2023 Anu/vca Index : Yes / No To 1.The Chairman, Chennai-600 002.
2.The Chief Engineer, Non Conventional Energy Sources, 4/6
Chennai - 600 002.
3.The Director/Generation, Corporation Limited, 144, Anna Salai Chennai 600 002.
N.SESHASAYEE, J.
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Anu 15.09.2023 6/6