Manjula. v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.04.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN Manjula ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2.The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Dindigul, Dindigul District.

3. The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, South Division, Dindigul District.

4.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Natham, Dindigul District.

5.The Assistant Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO Natham, Dindigul District.

... Respondents 1/5

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to provide free agricultural electricity service connection in the Punja Land comprised in Survey No.228/1B1, Patta No.1796, to an extent of 0.56.0 Hectares, situated at Pudhur Village, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District, by considering the petitioner's online representation dated 19.04.2022. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Vikram For R1 : Mr.N.Muthuvijayan Special Government Pleader For R2 to R5 : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan, Standing Counsel

ORDER

The writ petition has been filed in the nature of Mandamus seeking a direction to the respondents, particularly, the third respondent / Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, Dindigul District, to provide free Agricultural electricity connection for the Punja land in survey Nos.228/1B1, Patta No.1796, to an extent of 0.56.0 Hectares, situated at Pudhur Village, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District. The petitioner had given online application on 09.04.2022. 2/5

2. The learned standing counsel appearing for respondents 2 to 5 had taken time to get instructions and stated that on verification of the records, the application of the petitioner is at Sl.No.8 in seniority. It had been stated that the connections are given in accordance with seniority and when the petitioner's turn comes, the petitioner would certainly be provided with free electricity connection in accordance with the rules.

3. I am confident that the respondents would adhere to the seniority list and would not deviate from the same and the petitioner would be granted electricity connection in accordance with her turn. No further orders are required.

4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the first respondent and it is stated that the first respondent / District Collector is an unnecessary party to the writ petition. It is stated that therefore, necessary orders should be passed in that regard.

3/5

5. Since the first respondent has no say in grant of or otherwise of free electricity connection, though an order is passed that electricity connection should be granted in accordance with seniority, the writ petition stands dismissed as against the first respondent herein and this writ petition is disposed of against the respondents 2 to 5. No costs. 20.04.2023 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No pnn To 1.The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul. 2.The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Dindigul, Dindigul District.

3. The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, South Division, Dindigul District. 4.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Natham, Dindigul District. 5.The Assistant Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO Natham, Dindigul District. 4/5

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

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