Moorthy v. Chairman Cum Managing Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02.11.2023 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH 1.Moorthy 2.Saroja .. Petitioners vs 1.Chairman cum Managing Director, TANGEDCO, 10th Floor, NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

2.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Tamil Nadu Power Generation and Distribution Office, Pudupalayam, Cuddalore.

.. Respondents Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a writ of mandamus forbearing the respondents from disconnecting the electricity supply bearing connection no. 003009181 for Old No.29/C, New No.8C, Ward No.7, Block No.14, T.S.No.942/2, at Manjakuppam, Anaikuppam, Cuddalore, without following due process of law.

For Petitioner :

Ms.K.Abhirame for M/s.V.Srimathi For Respondents :

Mr.V.Venkata Seshaiya Standing Counsel 1/4

ORDER

The petitioners are senior citizens and has filed this writ petition apprehending dis-connection of the electricity service connection bearing No. 003009181 in respect of the property at Old No.29/C, New No.8C, Ward No.7, Block No.14, T.S.No.942/2, at Manjakuppam, Anaikuppam, Cuddalore ('property / property in question'). The prayer is thus, for a mandamus forbearing the respondents from disconnecting the electricity supply of the property in question without following the due process of law. 2.

Mr.V.Venkata Seshaiya, learned Standing Counsel who accepts notice for the Chairman / Managing Director and Assistant Engineer of TANGEDCO, arrayed as respondents (R1 and R2) would submit, on instructions, that there appears to be some dispute between the petitioner and one Jayaraman in regard to the title of the property in question and this is, according to her the reason for apprehension in the petitioners mind.

3.

Be that as it may and even assuming that there is some dispute based on which a complaint is raised before the authorities, it is incumbent on the authorities to follow the 2/4

principles of natural justice and due process meaning thereby that the petitioners would be heard prior to any adverse action being taken by the respondents.

4.

With this, apprehension of the petitioners stand duly addressed and, writ petition is closed. No costs. 02.11.2023 Index:Yes/No ssm To 1.The Chairman cum Managing Director, TANGEDCO, 10th Floor, NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

2.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Tamil Nadu Power Generation and Distribution Office, Pudupalayam, Cuddalore.

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DR. ANITA SUMANTH,J.

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