Madras High CourtWP/47700/2025disposed of

S.Murthy v. The District Collector

2026-01-20Honourable Mr Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20-01-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY S.Murthy, S/o. Sivabooshanam , No. 14/12 Kalainger Nagar, Kovil Pathagai Avadi, Chennai 62 ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate, Tiruvallur, Tiruvallur District.

2. The Director (Projects), TANGEDCO, NPKRR Maligai, 144 Anna Salai, Chennai 02.

..Respondent(s) PRAYER: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd Respondent to determine and disburse just compensation under the provisions of RFCTLARR Act 2013 for the utilisation of the petitioner's land situated in SF No. 159/1A , Mainkandan Nagar Annex, Vellanur Village, Ambattur Revenue Taluk, Avadi Tiruvallur District, pursuant to the erection of a High Tension Electricity Tower, by duly considering the petitioner's representations dated 05.03.2022 and 18.04.2022 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Su.Srinivasan Mr.V.Ashok Kumar For Respondent(s):

Mr.Abishek Murthy, GA for R1 Mr.D.R.Arunkumar for R2 __________Page 1 of 4

ORDER

The petitioner asserts that he is the absolute owner of the land measuring 1223 sq.ft. in S.No.159/1A, Manikandan Nagar Annex, Vellanur Village. He also states that a high tension electricity tower was erected on his land without his consent. Because the said tower occupies nearly 85% of the total extent of land, he submits that he is unable to put the remaining extent to use. Hence, this writ petition seeking compensation.

2. Learned Government Advocate, who appears on behalf of the first respondent, submits that the land was not acquired under Act 30 of 2013 or any other land acquisition statute. Instead, he submits that powers were exercised under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for purposes of erecting the high tension electricity tower.

3. Section 10(d) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, provides for the payment of compensation to all persons interested in respect of any damage sustained by them as a result of exercise of powers under the statute. The petitioner has submitted representations dated 05.03.2022 and 18.04.2022 seeking payment of compensation. Hence, it is just and appropriate that these representations be considered and disposed of in accordance with law. By __________Page 2 of 4

directing the second respondent to consider and dispose of these representations within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order after providing reasonable opportunity to the petitioner, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

20-01-2026 Index: Yes/No Internet : Yes/No KAL To

1. The District Collector, lOffice of the Collectorate, Tiruvallur, Tiruvallur District

2. The Director (Projects), TANGEDCO, NPKRR Maligai, 144 Anna Salai, Chennai 02 __________Page 3 of 4

SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY, J.

KAL 20-01-2026 __________Page 4 of 4