T.Thirumullai v. The Assistant Engineer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 17.11.2025

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P. No.35620 of and W.M.P. No.3 T.Thirumullai ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Loyala College Campus, No.1, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.

2.The Chief Engineer / Chairman, TANGEDCO, TNEB Head Office, No.825, Link Road, Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai - 600 002.

3.Valarmathi 4.T.Murali ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing respondent Nos.1 and 2 to 1/8

provide electricity connection to the residence of the petitioner that was illegally and unlawfully disconnected by Late T. Ramamoorthy, 3 rd and 4 th respondents on 06.02.2025.

For Petitioner :

Mr.Srikanth for M/s.S.Murugavel For Respondents :

Mr.L.Jai Venkatesh Standing Counsel for R1 & R2 Mr.T.M. Pappiah for R4 Mr. Selvam Babu for R3 Mr.C.T. Mohan, Senior Counsel - appointed as Mediator - - - - - -

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondent Nos.1 and 2 to provide electricity connection to the residence of the petitioner that was illegally and unlawfully disconnected by Late T. Ramamoorthy, 3 rd and th respondents on 06.02.2025.

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2. It is stated that the petitioner and her siblings are residing on different floors of the house owned by their mother, Late Nagammal. There are four electricity service connections in the said premises, all standing in the name of the petitioner's mother. One of the electricity service connections used by the petitioner was disconnected by respondents 3 and 4. In these circumstances, the petitioner lodged a complaint before the official respondents on 06.02.2025, but no orders were passed. Hence, this writ petition with the aforesaid prayer.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is also one of the sharers of the property and she had been enjoying an electricity service connection. He further submitted the private respondents abruptly disconnected the electricity supply given to the petitioner's portion, which is illegal. Hence, this Court may issue appropriate directions in the above regard.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the respective respondents and perused the materials available on record.

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5. During the earlier hearings, learned counsel appearing on either side submitted that there was a likelihood of an amicable settlement between the parties and requested that the matter be referred for mediation. Accordingly, by order dated 16.10.2025, this Court appointed Mr. C.T. Mohan, Senior Counsel, as Mediator to resolve the issues. Subsequently, the Mediator successfully resolved the dispute between the parties.

6. In view of the settlement, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner may be permitted to apply for fresh electricity service connection in respect of her portion and appropriate directions may be issued to the respondents to consider the said request of the petitioner, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

7. Responding to the aforesaid submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned counsel appearing for the private respondents have 4/8

stated their no objection for issuance of appropriate directions by this Court.

8. Recording the fair submissions made by learned counsel on either side, this Court issues the following directions :- i) The petitioner shall submit a fresh application for electricity service connection to her portion in the subject property, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that all expenses for getting new electricity service connection shall be borne by the petitioner. ii) Upon receipt of such application, the official respondents shall consider the same and effect the electricity service connection to the petitioner's portion, in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Distribution Code, within a period of four weeks thereafter.

iii) This Court fixes a sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) towards remuneration payable to Mr.C.T. Mohan, Senior Counsel, who was appointed as Mediator to resolve the issue between the petitioner and the private respondents. Out of Rs.50,000/- fixed by this Court as remuneration to the 5/8

Mediator, a sum of Rs.20,000/- shall be borne by the petitioner and the balance sum of Rs.30,000/- shall be borne by the respondents 3 and 4 equally.

9. With the aforesaid directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 17.11.2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order vsi2 To 1.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Loyala College Campus, No.1, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.

2.The Chief Engineer / Chairman, TANGEDCO, TNEB Head Office, No.825, Link Road, Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai - 600 002.

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M.DHANDAPANI, J.

vsi2 W.P. No.35620 of and W.M.P. No.3 of 202 7/8

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