P.Padma v. Chairman Cum Managing Director
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 18.11.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P.No.49729 of 2025 P.Padma .....
Petitioner Vs 1.Chairman cum Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Secretariat Branch, N.P.K.R.R.Building, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Virudhu Nagar Electricity Distribution Circle, Ramamoorthi road, Virudunagar - 626 001.
.....
Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records pertaining to the impugned order in memorandum No.57974/A5/A52/2025-1 dated 10.11.2025 passed by the first respondent and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to permit the petitioner to continue in service until a detailed and fair enquiry is conducted against the petitioner by giving due opportunity and by following the procedure contemplated under the law.
For Petitioner : Mr.Krishna Ravindran For Respondents : Mr.K.Rajkumar Standing Counsel
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order of suspension dated 10.11.2025 passed by the first respondent, thereby the petitioner was placed under suspension from service.
2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.
3. The petitioner was working as Executive Engineer (Distribution), under the first respondent. While being so, a video was circulated in social media showing her counting currency notes. The video went viral. In view of the same and pursuant to a public interest petition, the petitioner was placed under suspension.
4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that there is absolutely no material to show that the petitioner received any bribe and that the currency counted by her belonged to her
personally. While she was counting her own money, a video was taken without her knowledge and uploaded on social media. Therefore, according to the learned counsel, no prima facie case has been made out to warrant the suspension of the petitioner.
5. On instructions, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that after the video went viral in social media, in the interest of maintaining public confidence, the petitioner was placed under suspension. Now, the vigilance enqiry is pending. Therefore, the respondents made out a prima facie case to suspend the petitioner.
6. In view of the above, this Court finds no infirmity or illegality in the order of suspension dated 10.11.2025 passed by the first respondent. However, the respondents are directed to complete the vigilance enquiry expeditiously and the petitioner is at liberty to submit a representation seeking revocation of the suspension. On receipt of such representation, the respondents shall pass appropriate orders on the said representation on the basis of the outcome of the vigilance enquiry.
7. In the result, this Writ Petition stands dismissed with the above directions. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs. 18.11.2025 Internet: Yes Index : Yes/No Speaking/Non Speaking order Lpp To 1.Chairman cum Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Secretariat Branch, N.P.K.R.R.Building, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Virudhu Nagar Electricity Distribution Circle, Ramamoorthi road, Virudunagar - 626 001.
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN. J, Lpp 18.11.2025