M.K. Yoheshwari v. The Assistant Engineer

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs;- "directing the respondent to restore Electricity Connection, vide Electricity Connection No. 0130185062 pertaining to the shed bearing Door Page3 of 6 No. 83 Periyar Salai Annai Sathya Nagar, Kodungaiyur Chennai 600118 and consequently permit the petitioner to pay the Electricity Consumption charges directly to the Tamilnadu Electricity Board and similarly install the Electricity Connection and the Meter within the shed itself instead of its present location."

¶2Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel for respondents 1 to 4. Respondent 5 and 6 though served have not entered appearance either in person or through counsel.

¶3Today, the Inspector of Police, P-6 Kodungaiyur Police Station, Chennai, has filed a Status Report wherein, in paragraphs 1, 2, 6, and 7, it is stated as follows:- "1. It is submitted that the petitioner is a tenant running a shop in a godown belonging to respondent Nos.5 and 6. It has been brought to notice that respondent Nos.5 and 6 have repeatedly interfered with the petitioner's usage of electricity. The petitioner has stated that the electricity meter box installed at the premises has been concealed by fixing an iron enclosure through cutting and welding, thereby preventing access to the meter. It is further stated that the internal meter fuse has been switched off and the external portion has been sealed by welding and locked, resulting in disruption of electricity supply. Page4 of 6

¶2It is further submitted that the premises taken on lease by the petitioner from respondent Nos.5 and 6 consists of a shed measuring about 2000 square feet and an independent room measuring about 700 square feet. It is stated that the petitioner is using the said premises for carrying on furniture manufacturing work, wherein wooden materials are processed for making furniture, which is stated to be dependent on electricity.

¶6Subsequent to the above, respondent Nos.5 and 6 again interfered with the petitioner's occupation by closing the electricity distribution box and disconnecting the power supply. Upon information to the Police Control Room

(100), police personnel visited the spot and advised the petitioner to give a complaint. Accordingly, CSR No.21 of 2026 dated 15.01.2026 was issued. On coming to know of the said CSR, respondent Nos.5 and 6 temporarily restored the electricity connection.

¶7It is further submitted that thereafter, respondent Nos.5 and 6, along with the brother of respondent No.6, obstructed the CCTV camera installed in front of the shop by covering it with a tarpaulin sheet. Upon complaint, CSR No.40 of 2026 dated 21.01.2026 was registered and the same is pending enquiry." Page5 of 6

¶4The above averments would clearly show that Respondents 5 and 6 are not permitting the petitioner to carry on his occupation. Therefore, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the petitioner to submit an application to the 1st respondent seeking shifting of the meter box to an area within the petitioner's premises. Upon receipt of such application, the 1st respondent shall, within a period of two weeks thereafter, take appropriate steps to shift the meter box, subject to the petitioner paying the prescribed shifting charges. No costs. 10-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SHR To

¶1The Assistant Engineer Operation and Maintenance Tamilnadu Electricity Board Tondiarpet, Chennai 600081.

¶2The Executive Engineer Operation and Maintenance Tamilnadu Electricity Board Tondiarpet, Chennai 600021.

¶3The Superintendent Engineer Central Electricity Distribution Circle, North Region Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Mount Road, Chennai 600002.

¶4The Inspector Of Police P-6 Police Station Law and Order,Kondungaiyur, Chennai 600118. Page6 of 6

P.T.ASHA, J. SHR 10-02-2026

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-02-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA M.K. Yoheshwari ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Assistant Engineer Operation and Maintenance Tamilnadu Electricity Board Tondiarpet, Chennai 600081. 2. The Executive Engineer Operation and Maintenance Tamilnadu Electricity Board Tondiarpet, Chennai 600021. 3. The Superintendent Engineer Central Electricity Distribution Circle, North Region Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Mount Road, Chennai 600002. 4. The Inspector Of Police P-6 Police Station Law and Order Page2 of 6 Kondungaiyur Chennai 600118. 5. C.I.Pouly 6. V.T.Joseph ..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to restore Electricity Connection, vide Electricity Connection No. 0130185062 pertaining to the shed bearing Door No. 83 Periyar Salai Annai Sathya Nagar, Kodungaiyur Chennai 600118 and consequently permit the petitioner to pay the Electricity Consumption charges directly to the Tamilnadu Electricity Board and similarly install the Electricity Connection and the Meter within the shed itself instead of its present location. For Petitioner(s): Mr.Ashokkumar D. For Respondent(s): Mr.L.Jai Venkatesh, St.Counsel for R1 to R3; Mr.L.Baskaran, GA (Crl. Side) for R4.