R.Thangarasu v. The Chief Engineer
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 24.11.2025
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI R.Thangarasu Petitioner Vs
1. The Chief Engineer Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, 144 Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2.The Superintending Engineer TANGEDCO, Villupuram Electricity Distribution Circle, Villupuram District.
3.The Executive Engineer TANGEDCO, Kallakurichi Division, 4.The Assistant Engineer (Operation & Maintenance) TANGEDCO, Arayur Section, 5.The District Collector 1/6
6.The Revenue Divisional Officer Thirukovilur Division, 7.The Tahsildar Thirukovilur Taluk, Kallakurichi District.
8.The Assistant Divisional Engineer (Highways), Highways Department, Thirukovilur, Kallakurichi District.
Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 5 to 8 forthwith remove the tress situated abutting the public road at New Vengur Village, Thirukovilur Taluk, Kallakurichi District, which obstruct the shifting of electricity line and transformer sought by the petitioner under Deposit Contribution Works (DCW) with the TANGEDCO (Application Ref. No.200025141024460 dated 07.10.2024) and consequently direct the respondents 1 to 4 to complete the shifting of the EB line and transformer without further delay within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.D. Edwin Yovan Raj For Respondents : Ms.S. Anitha Spl. Govt. Pleader for R5 to R8 Mr.S.Swamisubramanian for R1-R4.
O R D E R
It is stated that the petitioner is an agriculturist owning cultivable lands in Survey Nos.232/26, 232/78 and 232/8A and through the said lands, an existing 2/6
electricity line and transformer pass, causing serious hindrance to ploughing and irrigation activities. Owing to the obstruction caused by the said electricity line and transformer, the petitioner's agricultural operations have been adversely affected.
In such circumstances, the petitioner submitted an application dated 07.10.2024 before the respondents / TANGEDCO, along with all requisite documents and an undertaking to bear the estimated cost for shifting the electricity line and transformer. Pursuant thereto, officials of TANGEDCO conducted an inspection and steps were also initiated to obtain necessary clearance from the concerned Revenue and Highways Authorities for removal of obstructing trees. However, no final decision has been taken on the petitioner's application till date. Aggrieved by the prolonged inaction on the part of respondents 5 to 8 in shifting the electricity line and transformer passing through the petitioner's cultivable land, and as a consequence of which the petitioner's agricultural activities have come to a standstill, the petitioner has approached this Court seeking appropriate directions by way of filing this writ petition.
2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice if a direction is issued to the respondents to consider the petitioner's application dated 07.10.2024 and to shift the electricity line and transformer passing through the petitioner's land within a stipulated time frame. 3/6
3. Learned counsel for the respondents 1 to 4, on instructions, submitted that the petitioner's application dated 07.10.2024 would be considered and appropriate orders would be passed in accordance with law.
4. Considering the submissions made by learned counsel on either side, a direction is issued to the 3rd respondent to consider the petitioner's application dated 07.10.2024 for shifting of the electricity line and transformer passing through the petitioner's cultivable land and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.
24.11.2025 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order vsi2 4/6
To
1. The Chief Engineer Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, 144 Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2.The Superintending Engineer TANGEDCO, Villupuram Electricity Distribution Circle, Villupuram District.
3.The Executive Engineer TANGEDCO, Kallakurichi Division, 4.The Assistant Engineer (Operation & Maintenance) TANGEDCO, Arayur Section, 5.The District Collector 6.The Revenue Divisional Officer Thirukovilur Division, 7.The Tahsildar Thirukovilur Taluk, Kallakurichi District.
8.The Assistant Divisional Engineer (Highways), Highways Department, Thirukovilur, Kallakurichi District.
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M. DHANDAPANI, J.
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