M/S.Balaji Poly Cans, v. The Superintendent Enigneer,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 10-12-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE N. SATHISH KUMAR and WMP No.53192 of 2025 M/s.Balaji Poly Cans, Rep By Its Proprietor Mrs.K.Padmapriya, Wife of S.Krishnakumar, No.25,Harbour Colony,Second Street,Kodungaiyur, Chennai 600 118 Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Superintendent Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Ltd(north), Chennai (north).

2.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Perambur Section, Telephone Exchange Road, Moolakadai, Chennai-11.

3.The Assistant Divisional Engineer, Sembiam Office Of The Asst.Divisional Engineer, O & M / CEDC, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Telephone Exchange Road, Moolakadai, Chennai 600 011

4.The Asst.Engineer, Kodungaiyur, O & M/ CEDC/north, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Moolakadai Simpson Compound 1st Floor, Chennai-11 Respondent(s) PRAYER This writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner Appeal Dated 30.10.2025 and conduct an enquiry, by receiving the objections and documents from the petitioner, and affording a fair personal hearing to the petitioner .

For Petitioner(s):

M/s.B.K.Girish Neelakantan For Respondent:

Mr.L.Jaivenkatesh, Standing counsel

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's appeal against the wrongful assessment relating to the electricity service connection to petitioner's premises.

2. According to the petitioner, The petitioner's LT Tariff III-B service, with 51 KW sanctioned load, was disconnected on 02.06.2022 due to financial hardship but was duly reconnected on 01.12.2023 after payment of charges. The reconnection was also recorded in the consumer ledger. Subsequently, on

10.01.2025, the 2nd respondent suddenly removed the electricity meter without any notice and despite repeated objections, no explanation was furnished. Thereafter, on 10.02.2025, the 2nd respondent unilaterally altered consumption details and failed to maintain proper reconnection records. The petitioner sought MRT testing. The MRT Report No.D/355/2025 dated 04.03.2025, confirmed that the earlier assessment was wrong. The consumer ledger and MRT readings also show inconsistencies. Earlier inspections conducted on various dates had recorded that the meter was in good working condition. However, after restoration of supply, the 2nd respondent again marked the status as "disconnected" and removed the reconnection entry.

The assessment, based on "differential consumption" without reference to reconnection records, is contrary to clause 11 of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code and is without jurisdiction. The petitioner has already approached the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum under Section 18 of the Supply Code on 30.10.2025 and the petition is still pending. Hence, the present petition has been filed.

3. Heard Both sides and perused the materials placed on records.

4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also considering the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, without going into the merits of the matter, this Court directs the first respondent to consider the Appeal of the petitioner dated 30.10.2025 and pass orders on merits and in

accordance with law, within a period of two months, from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after giving opportunity to the petitioner.

5. With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed. of. There shall be no order as to costs.

Consequently connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

10-12-2025 Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes mrp To 1.The Superintendent Enigneer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Chennai (north).

2.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Perambur Section, Telephone Exchange Road, Moolakadai, Chennai-11.

3.The Assistant Divisional Engineer, Sembiam Office Of The Asst.Divisional Engineer, O And M / Cedc, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Telephone Exchange Road, Moolakadai, Chennai 600 011

4.The Asst.Engineer, Kodungaiyur, O And M/ Cedc/north, Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation And Distribution Ltd(north), Moolakadai Simpson Compound 1st Floor, Chennai-11

5. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.

N.SATHISH KUMAR J.

mrp 10-12-2025