Aandhavalli v. The Superintendent Of Engineer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 09.04.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH Aandhavallli : Petitioner Vs.
1. The Superintendent of Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Ramanathapuram District.
2. The Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Uchipuli, (Kuyavangudi) Ramanathapuram District.
: Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to immediately provide an electricity connection to the petitioner's residence at Survey No. 126/2, Nochiyoorani Village, Ramanathapuram Taluk, Ramanathapuram District based on the petitioner's representation dated 27.03.2025.
For Petitioner : Mr.R. Senthil Kumar Fore Respondents: Mr.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel 1/6
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to immediately provide an electricity connection to the petitioner's residence at Survey No. 126/2, Nochiyoorani Village, Ramanathapuram Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, based on her representation dated 27.03.2025.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3.The petitioner asserts that she submitted an application for an electricity connection on 24.02.2025 through the online portal of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), by paying the requisite fee and received the corresponding payment receipt. The grievance of the petitioner is that, despite having fulfilled all the necessary requirements, the electricity connection has not yet been provided. In this regard, she submitted a representation dated 27.03.2025 to the respondents, 2/6
requesting to provide the electricity connection. However, as no action has been taken on the said representation, the petitioner has now approached this Court by filing the present Writ Petition.
4. 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.
5. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the second respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.03.2025, on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner, as well as all the other persons, who may be interested in the subject matter, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of 3/6
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 second respondent to consider the same on its own merits.
6. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 09.04.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN 4/6
To
1. The Superintendent of Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Ramanathapuram District.
2. The Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Uchipuli, (Kuyavangudi) Ramanathapuram District.
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VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.
PKN W.P.(MD) No.9993 of 2025 09.04.2025 6/6