T. Lakshmi Prabha v. Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (Tnpdcl)
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 03.06.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH W.P.(MD) No.2062 of 2025 and WMP (MD) No.1461 of 2025 T.Lakshmi Prabha : Petitioner Vs.
1. Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Represented by its Chairman Cum Managing Director, (Previously Known as TANGEDCO), NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2. Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Represented by its Secretary, (Previously Known as TANGEDCO), Secretariat Branch, NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
3. The Chief Engineer/personnel (I/c), Tamil Nadu Power Distribution (Previously Known as TANGEDCO), 1/7
NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
4. The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Presently Known as Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Thoothukudi Electricity Distribution Circle, Thoothukudi.
: Respondents P RAYER:
Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order in Ka.No. 024359/396/MePaPho/ThuMiPaVa/ThuTi/NiPi2/Vu2/Kho.Va.Ve/2024, dated 29.04.2024 on the file of the respondent No.4 and quash the same as illegal and consequently for a direction directing the respondent No.4 to grant compassionate appointment to the petitioner in any suitable post within the time period.
For Petitioner : Mr. T.Aswin Raja Simman For Respondent : Mr.S.Arivalagan Standing Counsel
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order dated 29.04.2024, whereby the petitioner's application for appointment on compassionate ground was rejected and for a consequential direction to the fourth respondent to grant compassionate appointment to the 2/7
petitioner in any suitable post.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel, appearing on behalf of the respondents.
3. The petitioner seeks appointment on compassionate ground, as her father, who was employed as a Foreman Grade-I in the fourth respondent Corporation, passed away on 06.11.2018. The petitioner contends that she submitted an application for compassionate appointment on 29.10.2021, which was duly received by the fourth respondent on 30.10.2021. However, her application was allegedly rejected on the ground that it was not submitted within the stipulated period of three years from the date of her father's demise. In this regard, the petitioner also submitted a representation dated 04.10.2024 to the fourth respondent, requesting to grant compassionate appointment. However, no action has been taken on the said representation till date. Aggrieved by the inaction and rejection, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing the present writ petition. 3/7
4. The learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents submits that the petitioner has not produced any documentary evidence to substantiate her claim that the application for compassionate appointment was submitted within the stipulated period of three years from the date of her father's demise.
5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner's application was submitted within three years from the date of demise of her father, her claim for compassionate appointment deserves to be reconsidered and accordingly, the impugned order dated 29.04.2024 is set aside and the matter is remanded to the fourth respondent for a fresh consideration of the petitioner's application for compassionate appointment, on its own merits and in accordance with law. The fourth respondent shall pass appropriate orders after affording an opportunity of personal hearing and by taking into account all relevant documents, including the petitioner's representation, within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 4/7
6. This writ petition stands disposed of with the above directions. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
03.06.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN To
1. Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Represented by its Chairman Cum Managing Director, (Previously Known as TANGEDCO), NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2. Tamil Nadu Power Distributio, N Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), Represented by its Secretary, (Previously Known as TANGEDCO), Secretariat Branch, NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
3. The Chief Engineer/personnel (I/c), Tamil Nadu Power Distribution (Previously Known as TANGEDCO), NPKRR Maaligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
5/7
4. The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Presently Known as Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Thoothukudi Electricity Distribution Circle, Thoothukudi.
6/7
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.
PKN W.P.(MD) No.2062 of 2025 03.06.2025 7/7