R.Ganesan v. The Engineer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 16.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN R.Ganesan ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Engineer, Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, Arasaradi, Madurai District.

2. The Assistant Engineer, Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, Avaniyapuram Madurai District.

3. The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Madurai.

... Respondents (R3 is suo motu impleaded vide order dated 16.07.2025 in W.P.(MD) No.19181 of 2025) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for 1/6

issuance of Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to refund the security deposit amount of Rs.1,09,930/- to the petitioner in electricity connection with service connection number 064006923 which was permanently disconnected on 22.09.2022, quash the arrear demand of Rs.32,049 soon against the set service connection on the ground that the connection had already been disconnected and meter ought to have been removed, and the set demand is illegal, arbitrary and unenforceable.

For petitioner : Mr. R. Senthil Kumar For respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel *****

ORDER

This Writ Petition is disposed of at the time of admission with the consent of the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the respondents.

2. The petitioner claims that the petitioner had earlier obtained EB connection for commercial activity in S.C.No.064006923. 2/6

3. It is submitted that at the time of obtaining EB connection for commercial use, the petitioner had given a security deposit of Rs.1,09,930/- and that due to outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic, the petitioner was unable to carry out the business and therefore, surrendered the EB connection on 14.10.2022.

4. It is submitted that on the date of disconnection, the petitioner has also paid Rs.10,563/-. However, the respondents retained the EB connection and have, now, decided to appropriate another sum of Rs.32,049/- towards the alleged arrears, even though the amount was settled as early as 14.10.2022.

5. It is submitted that the petitioner has sent representations, dated 22.09.2022 and 19.12.2024, followed by an application, dated 05.04.2025 before the Special Camp Resolving Electricity Consumer Grievances arranged by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Distribution Corporation.

6. It is submitted that despite the same, no steps have been taken, as a result of which the petitioner's amount of Rs.1,09,930/- has not been refunded back and there is a proposal to appropriate a sum of Rs.32,049/- towards arrears. 3/6

7. The learned Standing Counsel for the respondents submits that the Superintending Engineer, Madurai, will consider the petitioner's representations and disposed of the same.

8. Considering the same, the Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Madurai, is suo motu impleaded as third respondent.

9. The third respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's representations, dated 22.09.2022, 19.12.2024 and 05.04.2025 as expeditiously as possible preferably within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

10. The respondents 1 and 2 are directed to transfer the above representations to the third respondent. Simultaneously, the petitioner shall also forward a copy of the aforesaid representations, along with a detailed representation as also a copy of this order to the third respondent.

11. This Writ Petition is disposed of, with the above observations. No costs. 4/6

Index : Yes / No 16.07.2025 Internet : Yes / No apd To

1. The Engineer, Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, Arasaradi, Madurai District.

2. The Assistant Engineer, Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, Avaniyapuram Madurai District.

3. The Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, Madurai.

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C.SARAVANAN, J.

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