Full Judgment
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 30.06.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI
G.Ayyanar ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Superintendent Engineer, Madurai Electric Distribution Circle, 2.The Executive Engineer, Madurai Electricity Division Circle (East), 3.The Assistant Electrical Engineer, Distribution TANGEDCO, Rajagambeeram, Y.Othakadai, Madurai - 625 107. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to relocate the Electric line (DCW cable) passing
through the Plot No.15 in survey No.150/9B of Miras Nagar street, Ayyappan Nagar, Othakadai within a stipulated period of time as prescribed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.Aayiram K.Selvakumar For Respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan Standing Counsel for TNEB
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to relocate the electric line (DCW cable) passing through Plot No.15 in Survey No.150/9B, Miras Nagar Street, Ayyappan Nagar, Othakadai, within a stipulated period to be fixed by this Court. 2.Heard Mr.Aayiram K.Selvakumar, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Mr.S.Deenadhayalan, learned Standing Counsel for TNEB, who accepts notice on behalf of the respondents. 3.By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.
4.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had made an application for relocation of the electric line vide Application No.11812, pursuant to which the respondents demanded a sum of Rs.1,45,131/- towards shifting charges. The petitioner duly complied with the demand and remitted the said amount on 16.03.2023 by way of a Demand Draft in favour of the first respondent. Despite receipt of the said amount, the respondents have failed to take any steps to relocate the electric line for more than three years, thereby depriving the petitioner of his right to construct a residential house on the said property. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 27.05.2026 seeking immediate relocation of the electric line. Though the first respondent, by communication dated 11.06.2026, informed the petitioner that the matter had been forwarded to the second respondent for further action, no effective steps have been taken till date. Aggrieved by the inaction on the part of the respondents, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing the present Writ Petition.
5.The learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the petitioner would be satisfied if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.05.2026 and pass appropriate orders thereon within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
6.Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the third respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.05.2026, after affording the petitioner and any rival claimants, if any, a reasonable opportunity of being heard, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law. Such exercise shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.
30.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No ps To 1.The Superintendent Engineer, Madurai Electric Distribution Circle, 2.The Executive Engineer, Madurai Electricity Division Circle (East), 3.The Assistant Electrical Engineer, Distribution TANGEDCO, Rajagambeeram, Y.Othakadai, Madurai - 625 107.
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
ps 30.06.2026