Vanitha v. The Chairman

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 13.06.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR Vanitha ... Appellant / Petitioner Vs.

1.The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Generation of Energy and Distribution Corporation, (TANGEDCO), Annasalai, Chennai - 600 002.

2.The Superintendent Engineer, TANGEDCO, Madurai District.

3.The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, Arasaradi, Madurai District.

4.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Thuvariman, Madurai District.

... Respondents / Respondents 1/4

Prayer: Writ Appeal filed under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent to allow the Appeal and set aside the order of the learned Judge of this Court in W.P(MD)No.18796 of 2024 dated 06.08.2024.

For Appellant : Mr.I.Velpradeep For Respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel

JUDGMENT

(Judgment of the Court was made by G.R.Swaminathan J.) Heard both sides.

2.The writ petitioner's husband died due to electrocution on 17.06.2024. Seeking compensation to the tune of Rs.25,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Lakhs only), the appellant filed W.P(MD)No18796 of 2024. The learned single Judge vide order dated 06.08.2024 dismissed the said Writ Petition as not maintainable and the appellant was given liberty to move the jurisdictional civil Court for compensation. Challenging the said dismissal order, this Writ Appeal has been filed.

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3.We take note of the fact that TANGEDCO has been paying a sum of Rs. 5,00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakhs only) even on the ground of no-fault liability. This amount has since been enhanced to Rs.10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakhs only) as per Board Proceedings No.11 dated 21.12.2024. Payment of this sum cannot be withheld.

4.We direct the respondents herein to disburse the compensation to the legal heirs of the deceased as per their own Board proceedings. Rs.10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakhs only) shall be disbursed within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. If the appellant is still aggrieved, it is always open to the appellant to move the jurisdictional civil Court for enhanced compensation.

5.This Writ Appeal is allowed accordingly. There shall be no order as to costs.

[G.R.S., J.] [K.R.S., J.] 13.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No MGA 3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J and K.RAJASEKAR, J.

MGA To 1.The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Generation of Energy and Distribution Corporation, (TANGEDCO), Annasalai, Chennai - 600 002.

2.The Superintendent Engineer, TANGEDCO, Madurai District.

3.The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, Arasaradi, Madurai District.

4.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Thuvariman, Madurai District.

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