Kumaravel v. The Superintending Engineer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.4649 of 2026 and W.M.P(MD)No.3892 of 2026 Kumaravel

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Dindigul

2. The Executive Engineer, Distribution and Maintenance, TANGEDCO, Palani, Dindigul District

3. The Assistant Executive Engineer, Distribution and Maintenance, TANGEDCO, Palani West, Dindigul District

4. The Assistant Electric Engineer, Distribution and Maintenance, TANGEDCO, Swaminathapuram at Pushpathur, Dindigul District.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to provide a fair opportunity to the petitioner before taking any action with regard to his free agriculture electricity service connection with S.C.No.292-003-93 situated in 1/6

Survey No.14 at North Sangaramanallur Village, MadathukulamTaluk, Tiruppur District.

For Petitioner : M/s.D.Venkatesh For Respondents : M/s.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus directing the respondents to provide a fair opportunity to the petitioner before initiating action with regard to his free agricultural service connection in S.C.No. 292-003-93 situated in S.No.14 at North Sangaramanallur Village, MadathukulamTaluk, Tiruppur District.

2. According to the learned Counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, the petitioner is enjoying free agricultural service connection. A complaint was lodged by a third party alleging that the petitioner is misusing electricity service connection and extracting water from the river Amaravati. When attempt was made by the authorities to disconnect the service connection on the basis of the said allegation, the petitioner has preferred W.P.(MD)No.22518 of 2023. The said writ petition was disposed of on 14.09.2023 with a direction to the petitioner to file an affidavit of undertaking that they would not misuse the electricity service connection.

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3. It is further contented by the learned Counsel appearing for the writ petitioner that a second complaint was lodged and therefore, another communication was sent by the PWD officials to the TANGEDCO on 03.01.2024 to initiate action as against the writ petitioner and the complainant approached the Principal Bench in W.P.No.43910 of 2025 seeking a direction as against the officials for initiating action. An order was passed on 17.11.2025 directing the authorities to initiate action as against the writ petitioner after providing an opportunity.

4. On 04.12.2025, a notice was issued to the writ petitioner calling upon him to submit his explanation before 10.12.2025. The petitioner has submitted his explanation on 09.12.2025. Another communication was sent on 20.12.2025 directing him to submit his explanation before 23.12.2025. When the petitioner attempted to submit his explanation on 23.12.2025, the official was not present and therefore, on 24.12.2025, the petitioner has submitted his explanation. However, without considering the explanation offered by the writ petitioner, disconnection has been effected on 24.12.2025. Hence, the present writ petition. 3/6

5. The dates and events narrated above will clearly indicate that the order of this Court in W.P.No.43910 of 2025, dated 17.11.2025 has not been strictly complied with. Without considering the explanation offered by the writ petitioner, the disconnection order has been passed.

6. In view of the above said facts, the respondents 3 and 4 are directed to restore the agricultural service connection forthwith. After considering the explanation offered by the petitioner, the 4th respondent is directed to pass a reasoned order. Till a reasoned order is passed by the 4th respondent, the service connection of the petitioner shall not be disturbed.

7. With the above said observations, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is also closed. 19.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR 4/6

To

1. The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Dindigul

2. The Executive Engineer, Distribution and Maintenance, TANGEDCO, Palani, Dindigul District

3. The Assistant Executive Engineer, Distribution and Maintenance, TANGEDCO, Palani West, Dindigul District

4. The Assistant Electric Engineer, Distribution and Maintenance, TANGEDCO, Swaminathapuram at Pushpathur, Dindigul District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.4649 of 2026 19.02.2026 6/6