Mani, v. The Assistant Engineer,
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.03.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.5632 and 5633 of 2026 Mani ... Petitioner vs.
1.The Assistant Engineer, Operation and Maintenance North / Thogamalai TNPDCL (TANGEDCO) Karur District.
2.The Special Officer / Block Development Officer, (Village Panchayat), Kazhugoor Panchayat, Thogamalai Panchayat Union, Karur District.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition 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 passed by the 1st respondent in Ka.No.Oo.Mi.Po/E and Ka/Va/Tho.Malai/Va.Aa/Ko.Manu/A.No.123/25 dated 19.02.2026 and quash the same and consequently direct the 1st respondent to restore the Electricity Connection to the petitioner's 1/6
Service connection No.049-004-730 TF-111A1 within the time stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner :Mr.R.Paranjothi, For M/s.KBS Law Office.
For Respondents :Mr.S.Deenadhayalan, Standing Counsel for R1.
Mr.SR.A.Ramachandran, Addl. Government Pleader for R2.
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O R D E R
The petitioner challenges the order dated 19.02.2026 issued by the first respondent, by which the electricity service connection provided to the petitioner's small industry was disconnected on the ground that a foul smell was emanating from the shed where the petitioner is running the industry, thereby causing nuisance to the public at large.
2. Heard Mr.R.Paranjothi, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mr.S.Deenadhayalan, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the first respondent, and Mr.S.R.A.Ramachandran, learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the second respondent. 2/6
3. The petitioner is operating a pulverizer machine and a dewatering grinding machine for converting coconut husk into powder, which is used as floor spread in poultry farms. It is further stated that the green dewatering grinding machine is used to grind prawn waste into powder, which is used as feed for chickens in poultry farms. On the basis of a complaint given by one Dharmaraj, the second respondent requested the first respondent to disconnect the electricity service connection of the petitioner's small industry. Acting on the said request, the first respondent disconnected the electricity service connection without providing any opportunity of hearing to the petitioner. According to the petitioner, such disconnection has adversely affected his right to carry on his business. Therefore, the action of the first respondent in disconnecting the electricity service connection without affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner is arbitrary and in violation of the principles of natural justice.
4. In such circumstances, the impugned order dated 19.02.2026 passed by the first respondent is liable to be set aside. Accordingly, the said order is set aside, and the first respondent is directed to restore the 3/6
electricity service connection bearing Service Connection No.049-004-730 forthwith, subject to the petitioner paying any arrears of consumption charges, if any. However, liberty is reserved to the first respondent to initiate appropriate action afresh in accordance with law, after providing an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.
5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands allowed. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. Index :Yes / No 12.03.2026 Internet :Yes / No NCC :Yes / No ias To:
The Special Officer / Block Development Officer, (Village Panchayat), Kazhugoor Panchayat, Thogamalai Panchayat Union, Karur District.
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HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.
ias 12.03.2026 6/6