Authority: Madras High Court, Madurai Bench (Justice M. Dhandapani)
Order Date: 09 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: petitioner S. Prabhu vs. respondents: (1) Chairman, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO); (2) Chief Executive Officer, TANGEDCO Madurai Zone; (3) Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO Madurai Zone; (4) Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO Vaigai Dam, Theni District; and (5) Loganathan (Foreman, Electricity Board Department).
- Nature of Proceeding: Writ Petition (W.P.(MD) No.19325 of 2026) filed under Article 226 of the Constitution seeking a writ of mandamus to compel respondents 1‑4 to act on a representation dated 27‑06‑2026.
- Allegations: The petitioner claims that the fifth respondent, Loganathan, misused his official powers as a foreman to commit theft of free agricultural electricity for his own agricultural land situated in Survey No.704, Jeyamangalam Village, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District.
- Representation: A petitioner's representation dated 27 June 2026 was submitted to the TANGEDCO officials requesting action against the foreman; the representation had not been considered to date.
- Counsel: For the petitioner – Mr. D.S. Haroon Rasheed; for respondents 1‑4 – Mr. S. Ramanathan (Standing Counsel).
- Court’s Observations: The court noted that no adverse order would be passed against the fifth respondent and therefore dispensed with notice to him. The standing counsel for respondents 1‑4 raised no serious objection to the direction sought.
Final Outcome
- The writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the fourth respondent (Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO Vaigai Dam) to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 27‑06‑2026, afford a hearing to any necessary parties, and pass appropriate orders on merits in accordance with law.
- The exercise must be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
- No order as to costs was made.
Topics: Legal Procedure, Electricity Subsidy Misuse