R.Ramasamy v. The Superintending Engineer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 14.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE P.T.ASHA and W.M.P(MD)Nos.21216 & 21217 of 2025 R.Ramasamy .. Petitioner Vs.

1.The Superintending Engineer, Tirunelveli Electricity Distribution Circle, TNEB, Tirunelveli.

2.The Executive Engineer, Distribution (Kallidaikurichi), TANGEDCO, Tirunelveli.

3.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, Mukkudal, Tirunelveli.

4.Pramanayagam .. Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to the impugned order of the 3rd respondent in

Ka.No.UMiPo/ V / Mukkudal / Ko.Thagaval / A.No.594 / 2025 dated 11.09.2025 and quash the same in so far as demanding Rs.12080/- and consequently direct the 3rd respondent not to disturb the petitioner's electricity service connection.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Packiya Muthu For Respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "to call for the records relating to the impugned order of the 3rd respondent in Ka.No.UMiPo/ V / Mukkudal / Ko.Thagaval / A.No.594 / 2025 dated 11.09.2025 and quash the same in so far as demanding Rs.12080/- and consequently direct the 3rd respondent not to disturb the petitioner's electricity service connection."

2. The petitioner would submit that when he visited the office of the 3rd respondent to pay the monthly electricity bill of Rs.96/- which was due on 11.09.2025, he was informed to pay the fine amount of Rs. 12,080/- for having constructed the house in the month of February 2025

by using the above service connection without informing the respondents. The petitioner had sent a legal notice dated 13.09.2025 seeking reason for the arrears amount. Immediately upon receiving the same and taking advantage of non-payment of electricity charges, the electricity connection was disconnected without any prior notice to the petitioner on 15.09.2025, despite the petitioner being ready to pay the monthly charges. In the meantime, the 3rd respondent issued the impugned order dated 11.09.2025 demanding a sum of Rs.12,080/- as a fine and observing that the electric wire located on the northern side of the petitioner's house was hanging below the prescribed height and directed the petitioner to submit an application to rectify the issue. Challenging the same, this writ petition is filed.

3. Heard the learned counsel on either side.

4. Pursuant to the orders of this Court, dated 26.09.2025, the electricity supply has been restored to the petitioner's property. Mere perusal of the impugned order would show that the same has been passed

without any prior notice and hearing the petitioner.

5. Therefore, without going into the merits of the case, this writ petition is allowed. The impugned order is set aside and the matter is remitted back to the 3rd respondent for considering the issue afresh. The 3rd respondent shall pass orders after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

14.10.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes gbg To 1.The Superintending Engineer, Tirunelveli Electricity Distribution Circle, TNEB, Tirunelveli.

2.The Executive Engineer, Distribution (Kallidaikurichi), TANGEDCO, Tirunelveli.

3.The Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO,

Mukkudal, Tirunelveli.

P.T.ASHA, J.

gbg

14.10.2025