Magamayi v. The Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.04.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH Magamayi ... Petitioner -vs1.The Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board, Rep. by its Chairman, 10th Floor, N.P.K.K.R.Maligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, Paramakudi Division, Ramanathapuram District.
3.The Assistant Engineer, Sayalkudi, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Ramanathapuram District.
4.Manicknathan ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to provide electricity connection (domestic purpose) in petitioner's Eb.No.2000535411241055 to her premises situated at Periyakulam Village and Panchayath, Kadaladi Taluka, Ramanathapuram District, by considering her representation dated 27.02.2025.
For Petitioner : Mr.B.Mahendrarajan For R1 to R3 : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to provide electricity service connection (domestic purpose) to the petitioner's premises, situated at Periyakulam Village and Panchayat, Kadaladi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, by considering her representation dated 27.02.2025.
2. By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. Since no adverse orders are going to be passed against the fourth respondent, notice to the fourth respondent is hereby dispensed with.
4. Seeking to obtain a domestic electricity service connection to the petitioner's premises, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 27.02.2025. Since it has not been considered so far, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition.
5. Heard both sides.
6. It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon him to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other, instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation by the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and direct them to consider the same within a stipulated time.
7. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the third respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.02.2025, on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner, the fourth respondent, as well as all other persons, who may be interested in the subject matter, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is also made clear that this Court has not expressed any of its views with regard to the merits of the matter and that it is open to the third respondent to consider the same on its own merits.
8. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
NCC : Yes / No 02.04.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Chairman, Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board, 10th Floor, N.P.K.K.R.Maligai, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
2.The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, Paramakudi Division, Ramanathapuram District.
3.The Assistant Engineer, Sayalkudi, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Ramanathapuram District.
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 02.04.2025