Madras High CourtWP/38424/2025disposed of with direction

Sivaranjani v. The Superintending Engineer

2025-10-29Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 29.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI Sivaranjani Petitioner Vs

1. The Superintending Engineer TNPDCL, Cuddalore - 607 001.

2.The Executive Engineer TNPDCL Panruti Sub Station Campus, Panruti - 607 106.

3.The Assistant Executive Engineer TNPDCL, Rural North, Panruti Sub Station Campus, Panruti 607 106.

4.The Assistant Engineer TNPDCL, Thiruthuraiyur, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District.

5.The Joint Commissioner HR & CE Department, Villupuram.

6.The Inspector HR & CE Department, Panruti, Cuddalore District.

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7.Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenakarthar, Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam, Chidambaram.

Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to call for the records in connection with the impugned letter of the 4th respondent in Ka.No General / AA. No. 28 / 25 dated 30.06.2025 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents 1 to 4 to give electricity service connection to the petitioner for the lease land comprised in Plot. No 36 admeasuring an extent of 4 cents in S. No 29/7 situated at Thiruthuraiyur village Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District. For petitioner : Mr.S. Sithirai Anandam For respondents : Mr.Venkataseshaiya, Standing Counsel for R1 to R4 Mr.K. Karthikeyan Government Advocate (HR & CE) for R5 & R6

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed to call for the records in connection with the impugned letter of the 4th respondent in Ka.No General / AA. No. 28 / 25 dated 30.06.2025 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents 1 to 4 to give electricity service connection to the petitioner for the lease land comprised in Plot. No 36 admeasuring an extent of 4 cents in S. No 29/7 situated at Thiruthuraiyur village Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District.

2. The petitioner claims to be a lawful lessee under the 7th respondent Aadheenam in respect of land measuring 4 cents, comprised in Plot No.36 in 2/6

Survey No.29/7, situated at Thiruthuraiyur Village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District, which admittedly belongs to the 7th respondent Aadheenam.

3. Pursuant to a resolution passed by the Village Panchayat, Thiruthuraiyur, on 21.06.2024, in which the petitioner's name is cited at Serial No.10, the 7th respondent issued a consent letter for grant of electricity service connection in favour of the petitioner. Based on the said Panchayat resolution, the petitioner also obtained a certificate from the Village Administrative Officer (VAO).

4. It is the further case of the petitioner that, along with the VAO certificate dated 30.04.2025 and the consent letter issued by the 7th respondent, the petitioner submitted an application before the 4th respondent seeking electricity service connection. However, the 4th respondent, by proceedings dated 30.06.2025, rejected the said request, citing an objection letter received from the 5th respondent. Aggrieved by the rejection order dated 30.06.2025, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

5. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was granted a rental license by the 7th respondent, pursuant to which the petitioner applied for electricity service connection. He submitted that based on the resolution passed by the Village Panchayat, Thiruthuraiyur on 21.06.2024, the petitioner also obtained a certificate from the Village Administrative Officer . 3/6

Also, he submitted that along with the said certificate, the consent letter issued by the 7th respondent, the petitioner made an application to the 4th respondent seeking electricity service connection. However, the 4th respondent, by proceedings dated 30.06.2025, rejected the application citing an objection letter received from the 5th respondent. Hence, the impugned rejection order dated 30.06.2025 is arbitrary and illegal. On the aforesaid score, he prays for quashment of the impugned rejection order dated 30.06.2025 and sought consequential directions to the respondents 1 to 4 to give electricity service connection to the petitioner's lease property.

6. Per contra, learned counsel appearing for the respondents 5 & 6 submitted that the land measuring 1.83 acres belongs to Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam Mutt, which is governed by the HR & CE Department. He contended that for grant of electricity service connection in respect of the said land, a No Objection Certificate from the 5th respondent, HR & CE Department, is mandatory, and that the service connection can be effected only in the name of the temple, in accordance with the proceedings of the Commissioner dated 13.04.2016.

7. Reiterating the counter affidavit, he further submitted that the 7th respondent has not obtained approval for leasing out the subject property, and therefore, without prior approval or No Objection Certificate from the 5th 4/6

respondent, no electricity service connection can be granted and the same was communicated to the petitioner through the impugned letter dated 30.06.2025. Hence, he prayed that this Court may issue appropriate orders in accordance with law.

8. Having regard to the submissions made by learned counsel on either side, this Court, granting liberty to the petitioner to file a fresh application before the 4th respondent, enclosing the rental agreement between the petitioner and the 7th respondent, along with a No Objection Certificate issued by the 5th respondent as well as the consent letter issued by the 7th respondent. Upon receipt of such application, the 4th respondent is directed to conduct a detailed enquiry between the petitioner and the 7th respondent. Upon such enquiry, if it is found that the 5th respondent has no objection for grant of electricity service connection, the same shall be effected in the appropriate name, in accordance with law and the applicable rules.

9. With the aforesaid directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

29.10.2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order vsi2 5/6

M. DHANDAPANI, J.

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