Babu.S v. The Chief Engineer (Distribution)
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED:16.12.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI WP(MD)No.11633 of 2023 and W.M.P(MD).Nos.10098 and 10100 of 2023 S.Babu ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Chief Engineer (Distribution), Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Tiruchirappalli Region, TNEB, Thennur, Tiruchirappalli 620 017.
2.The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Trichy Electricity Distribution Circle/ Metro, TNEB Complex, Mannarpuram, Trichy-20.
3.The Executive Engineer (O&M), Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Musiri 110 KVSS Complex, T.PET Road, Musiri, Trichy 621 211.
4.The Assistant Administrative Officer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Office of the Executive Engineer, Operation and Maintenance, Musiri, Trichy 621 211.
... Respondents
PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorari to call for the records relating to the impugned order of recovery passed by the fourth respondent in Ku.Aa.No. 21/Admn/ou.Ni.A/Ni.Me/Ou.1/Kho.Piditham/2022 dated 07.10.2022 and the consequential impugned proceedings passed by the third respondent in Ku.Aa.No.243/Admn/ou.Ni.A/Ni.Me/Ou.1/Kho.Vilakkam/2022 dated 23.11.2022, quash the same as illegal.
For Petitioner : Mr.R.J.Karthick For Respondents : Mr.B.Ramanathan
O R D E R
The petitioner is working as Inspector of Assessment in TANGEDCOOperation and Management /Urban West/Karur. Based on the allegation that the petitioner has misappropriated a sum of Rs.52 Lakhs, the petitioner was imposed with the punishment of reversion from the post of Inspector of Assessment to the post of Assessor for a period of three years. However, during the said period, the petitioner was paid salary at the rate applicable to the post of Inspector of Assessment. Therefore, the fourth respondent vide impugned order dated 07.10.2022 directed the petitioner to remit the excess salary paid to him to the tune of Rs.5,61,059/-. Pursuant thereto, the third respondent has also passed the impugned order dated 23.11.2022. Aggrieved over the same, the petitioner has filed the above writ petition.
2. The grievance of the petitioner is that he has not been given an opportunity of hearing before passing the order of recovery.
3. The learned counsel for the respondent TANGEDCO admits that it is only an intimation and the respondents have not concluded the proceedings. They are ready to provide an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and thereafter, decision will be taken.
4. Considering the rival submissions made, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondent, TANGEDCO, to provide the petitioner with an opportunity of hearing before passing any order of recovery. The petitioner shall also be furnished with the worksheet on the basis of which the amount has been arrived at. The petitioner shall submit his explanation within a period of four weeks thereafter. Upon receipt of the same, the respondent, TANGEDCO, shall pass appropriate orders, after considering the petitioner's representation, if any, within a period of two weeks thereafter. No costs. 16.12.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index :Yes/No Rmk
To 1.The Chief Engineer (Distribution), Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Tiruchirappalli Region, TNEB, Thennur, Tiruchirappalli 620 017.
2.The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Trichy Electricity Distribution Circle/ Metro, TNEB Complex, Mannarpuram, Trichy-20.
3.The Executive Engineer (O&M), Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Musiri 110 KVSS Complex, T.PET Road, Musiri, Trichy 621 211.
4.The Assistant Administrative Officer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Office of the Executive Engineer, Operation and Maintenance, Musiri, Trichy 621 211.
B.PUGALENDHI,J.
Rmk WP(MD)No.11633 of 2023 16.12.2025