Authority: High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati (Special Original Jurisdiction)
Order Date: 22 June 2026
Case Overview
- Petition No. 8103/2026 filed by Kadagala Srinivas Rao (petitioner) under Article 226 seeking a writ of mandamus to compel the respondents, especially Respondent No.6 (Assistant Engineer, Operation Section, APEPDCL), to grant a new Category‑II electricity service connection.
- The petitioner applied on 20‑09‑2025 (Registration No. NSCREG03556196) after obtaining a No‑Objection Certificate from the Panchayat and paying the requisite fee.
- On 10‑10‑2025, APEPDCL officials arrived with a meter but halted installation due to “local interference”; thereafter the application status was shown as “Permanently Rejected” on the online portal without any reason.
- The petitioner submitted a representation on 20‑02‑2026 requesting reasons for the rejection; no response was received.
- Respondent Corporation argued that an existing connection (No.133320N142000140) in the name of the petitioner’s wife was disconnected for non‑payment of charges, and that payment was pending.
- The petitioner contended that the existing connection had been removed by a notice dated 12‑07‑2024 and that she had paid the dues on 26‑07‑2024; therefore, the permanent rejection was arbitrary, violated natural justice, and contravened Sections 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and APERC regulations.
- The Court examined statutory provisions (Section 43, GTCS Clause 5.1, APERC Regulation No.6 of 2024) and relevant Supreme Court precedents establishing the mandatory duty of distribution licensees to supply electricity on application.
- The Court noted the absence of any counter‑affidavit from the respondents and the lack of any stated reason for the permanent rejection, deeming the action illegal and a violation of Articles 14, 19(g) and 21 of the Constitution.
Final Outcome
- The permanent rejection of the petitioner’s application dated 20‑09‑2025 is set aside.
- APEPDCL is directed to process the application afresh, collect any applicable charges, and grant the electricity connection within two (2) weeks of receipt of this order.
- The State of Andhra Pradesh is directed to instruct all distribution licensees in the state to submit comprehensive reports every three months detailing dates of applications, processing times, and final outcomes; the State will review these reports and issue appropriate guidelines.
- No costs are awarded to either party.
- All pending applications are ordered to stand closed.
Topics: Electricity Supply, Constitutional Rights