Madras High CourtWP/40380/2025disposed of

P.Punitha v. The Chief Engineer (Engineering)

2025-10-30Honourable Mr Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan7 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 30.10.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Mr. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN P.Punitha .....

Petitioner Vs

1. The Chief Engineer (Engineering) The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, No.800 Anna Salai, 8th Floor, Chennai 600002.

2. The Chief Engineer The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Vellore Zone, Gandhi Nagar, Vellore 631001.

3. The Superintending Engineer Superintending Engineer's Office, The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Gandhi Nagar, Vellore 632006.

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4.The Administrative Supervisor Superintending Engineer's Office, The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Gandhi Nagar, Vellore 632006.

5.The Chief Engineer (FAC) Branch Administration, The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, No.144 Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.

6. The Chief Engineer The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Kanchipuram Zone, Kanchipuram Electricity Distribution Circle, Kanchipuram 631502.

7. The Superintending Engineer The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Chengalpattu Electricity Distribution Circle, Chengalpattu 603001.

8. The Administrative Supervisor The Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Chengalpattu Electricity Distribution Circle, Chengalpattu 603001.

.....

Respondents 2/7

Prayer : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to give the petitioner's husband death benefits to the petitioner and Cancel the Compassionate grounds appointment order of Kantha son Kiran Kumar in Memo No. 008214/G.261/2023 dated 05.09.2024 issued by the 5th respondent and to take necessary action against the said officials who acted in favour of the said Kantha based on the petitioner's representation dated 26.08.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Muruga Bharathi For Respondents : Mr.C.Manoharan Standing Counsel

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to cancel the compassionate appointment given to one Kantha, son of Kiran Kumar, by order dated 05.09.2024 and to disburse the death benefits to the petitioner.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

3. According to the petitioner, the petitioner is the first wife of (Late) Prabakaran, who passed away on 25.05.2021 while he was working as a Junior Engineer in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Thirumizhai Kottam, Pakkam Division, Chengalpattu District. However, without considering the objections 3/7

raised by the petitioner, the respondents granted the death benefits and the compassionate appointment in favour of the second wife and her son.

4. It is seen that there is a dispute between the petitioner and another woman, both claiming to be the legally wedded wife of (Late) Prabakaran. Therefore, the petitioner ought to have approached the Civil Court seeking appropriate relief for a declaration that she is the legally wedded wife of the deceased.

5. In view of the above, if the petitioner succeeds in the Civil suit and obtains a declaration as the legally wedded wife of the deceased, the respondents are directed to consider the request made by the petitioner for grant of death benefits and other consequential relief, in accordance with law.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

30.10.2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non speaking Lpp 4/7