V. Natarajan v. The Superintending Engineer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 27.02.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH V.Natarajan ...

Petitioner Vs 1 The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Sivakamipuram, Virudhunagar 626 001 2 The Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Malliputhur - 626 141, Srivilliputhur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

...

Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a writ of certiorarified mandamus to call for the records and pertaining to the impugned electricity bill, dated 12.11.2024, for consumer number 07-268-001-117, quash the same and to restore the electricity connection and direct the respondents to pay the damages for the agony and hardship caused to the petitioner.

For Petitioner :

Mr.A.John Vincent For Respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan, Standing Counsel.

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed, praying to quash the impugned electricity bill, dated 12.11.2024, passed by the respondent Board for consumer number 07-268-001-117, and restore the electricity connection.

2. The case of the petitioner is that for the above electricity service connection of the petitioner, the petitioner used to get a bill of Rs.100 to Rs. 150/-, whereas, vide the impugned bill passed by the respondents, dated 12.11.2024, the petitioner was charged Rs.18,000/- for the month of September,2024. In this regard, the petitioner also submitted a representation, dated 08.01.2025, to the second respondent. Since no action was taken by the respondent, the petitioner filed this Writ Petition.

3. For the prayer sought in the Writ Petition, the petitioner has an appeal remedy before Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum under Regulation 11 (7) of Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code and without exhausting the same, the petitioner has approached this Court directly.

4. Therefore, the petitioner is directed to approach Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum under Regulation 11 (7) of Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code, by way of an appeal. If the appeal is filed, the Forum is directed to decide the appeal on its merit and in accordance with law within a period of three months.

5. Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, the connected W.M.P.(MD) Nos.780 and 783 of 2025 are closed. 27.02.2025 NCC :

Yes / No Index :

Yes / No Internet :

Yes / No dixit To:

1 The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Sivakamipuram, Virudhunagar 626 001 2 The Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Malliputhur - 626 141, Srivilliputhur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.

dixit 27.02.2025