Bhavani v. The Chairman

IN THE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASOF

JUDICATU MADRAS Dated: 19.12.2025 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N. SATHISH KUMAR Bhavani ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Chairman TANGEDCO 144, Anna Salai Chennai - 02

2. The Chief Engineer (Distribution) TNEB, Thiruvannamalai Region Thiruvannamalai District

3. The Superintending Engineer TNEB, Vandavasi Division Thiruvannamalai District ..Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 15.10.2025 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a time frame. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Anbarasan For Respondents : Mr.Swami Subramanian Standing counsel 1/5

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 15.10.2025 seeking compensation for the electrocution injuries sustained by the petitioner's son.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that on 19.05.2025, when the petitioner's son while playing cricket, the ball fell on the terrace and while trying to take the ball, he came into contact with a live high voltage electric wire passing over the terrace at a low and accessible height and his right hand had to be amputated upto the wrist. According to the petitioner, there was no insulation in the electric wire or proper protective measures taken by the Authorities despite being adjacent to a school building and hence, the respondents are solely responsible for the incident. It is further submitted that though a compliant had been lodged on behalf of the petitioner in FIR No.145 of 2025 on 25.08.2025, she received a message from State Crime Records Bureau Stating that investigation has been completed and withdrawn on 27.10.2025. In this regard, the petitioner has sent a representation dated 15.10.2025 to the competent authorities, but till date no action has been taken. Hence, the present writ petition. 2/5

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the electrocution had occurred solely due to the negligence on the part of the Electricity Board and hence, they are under a statutory obligation to pay the compensation. The learned counsel further submitted that as held by Hon'ble Supreme Corut in M.P.Electrictiy Board Vs.Shail Kumari reported in (2002) 2 SCC 162, the Electricity Boards are strictly liable for electrocution injuries arising out of the negligent maintenance and hence, the petitioner is entitled to receive the compensation. Accordingly, he prayed for appropriate orders.

4. Mr.Swami Subramanian, learned Standing counsel, who accepted notice on behalf of Respondents 1 to 3, submitted that the representation of the petitioner would be considered and orders will be passed within a period of two months.

5. In view of the above submission of the learned Standing counsel, the respondents are directed to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 15.10.2025 and pass orders on its own merits and in accordance with law within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

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This writ petition is disposed of with the above direction. There shall be no order as to costs.

19.12.2025 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non~speaking order gpa To

1. The Chairman TANGEDCO 144, Anna Salai Chennai - 02

2. The Chief Engineer (Distribution) TNEB, Thiruvannamalai Region Thiruvannamalai District

3. The Superintending Engineer TNEB, Vandavasi Division Thiruvannamalai District 4/5

N. SATHISH KUMAR, J gpa 19.12.2025 5/5