Jain Le Sadmar v. The Superintending Engineer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 03-06-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR W.P(MD) No. 13452 of 2026 and W.M.P(MD)Nos. 10032 and 10033 of 2026 Jain Le Sadmar .. Petitioner - Vs. -

1. The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), Kanniyakumari Electricity Distribution Circle,

2. The Executive Engineer (TANGEDCO), Maruthankode,

3. The Junior Engineer (TANGEDCO), Soriyakadu, Methukummal Post, .. Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of CERTIORARIFIED MANDAMUS to call for the records relating to the impugned online cancellation order dated 03.02.2026 passed by the 3rd respondent in 1/6

Application Reference No.200071980525415 and to set aside the same and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to shift the E.B.Transformer presently erected in front of the petitioner's property at Door No.4/83B, situated at Sozhivilai, Methukummal Village, Kanniyakumari District to an alternative suitable place within the period that may be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner(s) : Mr.J.Karthikeyan For Respondent(s) : Mr.M.Viji, for Mr.S.Deenadhayalan, Standing Counsel

ORDER

The petitioner challenges the entry made in the online portal of the third respondent, whereby the petitioner's request for shifting the transformer located near Door No.4/83B, Sozhivilai, Methukummal Village, Kanniyakumari District, came to be rejected.

2. According to the petitioner, the transformer was installed without obtaining his consent. Therefore, the petitioner submitted an online application seeking shifting of the transformer. However, the third respondent rejected the request by merely stating that the proposal was 2/6

"not feasible". No reasons have been assigned as to why the shifting of the transformer is not feasible.

3. It is well settled that an administrative order affecting the rights of a citizen must be supported by reasons. The impugned entry in the online portal does not disclose any reason whatsoever for rejecting the petitioner's request. The same, therefore, cannot be construed as a speaking order.

4. In the absence of reasons, the petitioner is deprived of an effective opportunity to understand the basis of the decision and, if necessary, challenge the same. Consequently, the impugned online rejection cannot be sustained.

5. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is allowed and the online rejection entry dated 03.02.2026 made by the third respondent in Application Reference No.200071980525415 is hereby set aside. 3/6

6. The third respondent is directed to reconsider the petitioner's application for shifting the transformer and pass a reasoned order in accordance with law, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.

7. The above exercise shall be completed within a period of four

(4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

8. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

03-06-2026 Index :Yes / No NCC :Yes / No PJL To

1. The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), Kanniyakumari Electricity Distribution Circle, 4/6

2. The Executive Engineer (TANGEDCO), Maruthankode,

3. The Junior Engineer (TANGEDCO), Soriyakadu, Methukummal Post, 5/6

HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.

PJL 03.06.2026 6/6