S.Sudhakar v. The Chairman

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 19-02-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI WP No. 5378, 5381 & 5385 of 2026 and WMP Nos. 5890, 5893 and 5897 of 2026 S.Sudhakar Sebastian M.Mathews Petitioner in WP.No.5378 of 2026 Petitioner in WP.No.5381 of 2026 Petitioner in WP.No.5385 of 2026 Vs

¶1The Chairman TANGEDCO Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.

2.The Chief Engineer (Personal) And Convener Committee, Tangedco Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.

3.The Superintending Engineer Parsonvalley, Power House Project VI, Emerald Post, And Village, Kundhah Taluk, Ooty, the Nilgiris District-643 209.

4.The Superintending Engineer/ Civil Hydro Project, 955, E.v.n. Road, Erode-638 009. Respondents in all the writ petitions PRAYER in

WP No. 5378 of 2026;

This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, Calling for the records of 4th respondent in his Proceedings bearing Letter NO.000454/ Adm. /A.1/ 2024-9 dated 01.07.2024 and quash the same and consequently to absorb the petitioner as a regular Helper in the Service of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (now TANGEDCO), in accordance with B.P. (FB)) No.44 and the 12/3 Settlement, by granting the benefit of ex-gratia payment from the date of his initial engagement on 01.06.1994 till the date of his regular absorption, and to extend all other consequential service and monetary benefits on par with his juniors who have already been absorbed into service. PRAYER in

WP No. 5381 of 2026;

This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, Calling for the records of 4th respondent in his Proceedings bearing Letter NO.000454/ Adm. /A.1/ 2024-13 dated 01.07.2024 and quash the same and consequently to absorb the petitioner as a regular Helper in the Service of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (now TANGEDCO), in accordance with B.P. (FB)) No.44 and the 12/3 Settlement, by granting the benefit of ex-gratia payment from the date of his initial engagement on 01.06.1994 till the date of his regular absorption, and to extend all other consequential service and monetary benefits on par with his juniors who have already been absorbed into service. PRAYER in

WP No. 5385 of 2026;

This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, Calling for the records of 4th respondent in his Proceedings bearing Letter NO.000454/ Adm. /A.1/ 2024-7 dated 01.07.2024 and quash the same and consequently to absorb the petitioner as a regular Helper in the Service of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (now TANGEDCO), in accordance with B.P. (FB)) No.44 and the 12/3 Settlement, by granting the benefit of ex-gratia payment from the date of his initial engagement on 01.06.1994 till the date of his regular absorption, and to extend all other consequential service and monetary benefits on par with his juniors who have already been absorbed into service. For Petitioner(s): Mr.G.Ilamurugu in all the writ petitions For Respondent: Mr.Anand Gopalan for Agam Legal in all the writ petitions COMMON ORDER Since the issue involved in all these writ petitions are one and the same, the same are disposed by way of this common order.

¶2These writ petitions have been filed seeking to quash the order passed by the 4th respondent negativing the claim made by the petitioners to absorb them into service of Tangedco and also to grant them the benefit of ex-gratia payment.

¶3It is the case of the petitioners that they were engaged by the contractor, carrying out works for TANGEDCO. According to the petitioners, they were engaged in contractual work as early as 1994. According to the petitioners, despite their long and continuous service with the TANGEDCO, their services were not regularized. It is also the grievance of the petitioners that the ex-gratia amount paid by the TANGEDCO to the contractual workers were not paid to them. Seeking regularization of their services and also the payment of ex-gratia amount, the petitioners made a representation to the TANGECO. By way of impugned order, the representation made by the petitioners was rejected. Challenging the said impugned order dated 01.07.2024, the present writ petitions have been filed.

¶4Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶5The petitioners have not produced any materials to prove that they were engaged by TANGEDCO or they were working under contractor engaged by TANGEDCO. Moreover, these are the disputed question of facts. This Court cannot determine the status of the petitioners and give directions to the Electricity Board. These are matters which require both oral and documentary evidence. Therefore, the petitioners have to approached the competent Court and no relief would be granted to the petitioners by this Court at this stage.

¶6The writ petitions are dismissed. However, the petitioners are at liberty to file appropriate petitions before the Labour Court. In that event, all contentions are kept open. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 19-02-2026 rli Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To

1.The Chairman TANGEDCO Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.

2.The Chief Engineer (Personal) And Convener Committee, Tangedco Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.

3.The Superintending Engineer Parsonvalley, Power House Project VI, Emerald Post, And Village, Kundhah Taluk, Ooty, The Nilgiris District-643 209.

4.The Superintending Engineer/ Civil Hydro Project, 955, E.v.n. Road, Erode-638 009. M.DHANDAPANI J. WP No. 5378, 5381 & 5385 of 2026

19.02.2026 19-02-2026