C.M.Chelladurai v. The Superintending Engineer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR C.M.Chellaudrai ... Petitioner vs.

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

2.The Executive Engineer, (Operation & Maintenance) Tamilnadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), Tirunelveli.

3.The Assistant Executive Engineer, Tamilnadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), Alangulam Division, Tenkasi District.

4.The Assistant Engineer, Tamilnadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), Alangulam Division, Tenkasi District.

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5.The President, Village Panchayat, K.Navaneethakrishnapuram, Vadakkukavalakurichi Village, Veerakeralampudur Taluk, Tenkasi District.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the Respondents 1 to 4 to provide Electricity Service connection to the premises at Door No. 2/290/9 Main Road, K.Navaneethakrishnapuram, Vadakkukavalakurichi Village, Veerakeralampudur Taluk, Tenkasi District on the basis of representation dated 18.12.2025.

For Petitioner :Mr.M.Sankar For R1 to R4 :Mr.S.Deenadhayalan For R5 :Mr.R.Ramsamy Government Advocate *****

O R D E R

The petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 4 to provide an electricity service connection to his dwelling house bearing Door No.2/290/9, Main Road, K. Navaneethakrishnapuram, Vadakkukavalakurichi Village, Veerakeralampudur Taluk, Tenkasi District.

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2.The petitioner's application for electricity service connection has not been processed on the ground that the fifth respondent has informed the authorities that a civil dispute is pending in respect of the property. It is also stated that the property tax assessment relating to the house has been cancelled by the fifth respondent on account of the said civil dispute.

3.Mere pendency of a civil dispute or cancellation of the property tax assessment cannot be a ground to deny electricity service connection, particularly when the petitioner has produced documents showing his ownership and possession of the property. Admittedly, there is no order of any competent Court restraining the petitioner from enjoying the property. Therefore, the refusal to process the petitioner's application is arbitrary and unsustainable.

4.Accordingly, the writ petition is allowed with the following directions:

(i)The fourth respondent is directed to provide electricity service connection to the petitioner's dwelling house bearing Door No.2/290/9, 3/5

Main Road, K. Navaneethakrishnapuram, Vadakkukavalakurichi Village, Veerakeralampudur Taluk, Tenkasi District, subject to the petitioner satisfying all other statutory requirements.

(ii)The above exercise shall be completed within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. (iii)If the petitioner's earlier application has been closed, the petitioner shall submit a fresh application. Upon receipt of such application, the fourth respondent shall consider the same and provide electricity service connection, subject to the petitioner satisfying all other requirements, within a period of two weeks thereafter. (iv)In the event the earlier application has been closed, the fourth respondent shall refund the application fee and any other amount paid by the petitioner forthwith.

5.There shall be no order as to costs.

Index :Yes / No 17.06.2026 Internet :Yes / No NCC :Yes / No cmr 4/5

HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.

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