The Superintending Engineer v. R.Vanitha

JUDGMENT (Delivered by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) This writ appeal filed under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent assails the order dated 26.02.2026 passed in W.P.No.7270 of 2026, whereby the writ petition filed by the respondent herein has been disposed of with a direction to the appellants to consider the applications submitted by the respondent and to effect electricity service connection to the respondent's property by following the due procedure within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of the copy of the order.

¶2Learned counsel for the appellants contended that the learned Single Judge erred in directing the appellants to grant electricity service connection, inasmuch as there is no separate staircase, though different dwelling units were constructed. Therefore, the respondent is not eligible for the electricity service connection.

¶3On the other hand, learned counsel for the respondent submitted that the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 was amended and by virtue of the amendment, the expression "not exceeding 3 dwelling units or 750 sq. meters", was substituted with the expression "not exceeding 8 dwelling units or 750 sq. meters shall be substituted" and this would squarely apply to the respondent, as she has constructed only 6 dwelling units which amounts to only 465 sq. meters, respectively. Learned counsel further submitted that, as per the Electricity Act, 2003 and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Distribution Code, 2004, on an application by the owner or occupier of any premises, the appellants should give supply of electricity of such premises within one month after receipt of the application requiring such supply. The learned Single Judge, considering the aforesaid provisions of law, has directed the appellants to effect electricity service connection on the property of the respondent. In view of the above, no interference is called for and the appeal deserves to be dismissed.

¶4We have considered the rival submissions and perused the materials on record.

¶5We find force in the submission made by learned counsel for the respondent and we also find that since the respondent has constructed only 6 dwelling units within 750 sq. meters, the direction issued by the learned Single Judge cannot be faulted with. The writ appeal is bereft of merits and substance and, therefore, the same is dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J)

31.07.2026 Index : : bbr To:

1.The Superintending Engineer TNPDCL, (TANGEDCO) Coimbatore Electricity Distribution Circle/Metro, Tatabad, Coimbatore -12.

2.The Assistant Executive Engineer O&M TNPDCL (TANGEDCO) Chinniampalayam Coimbatore EDC/Metro Coimbatore

3.The Assistant Engineer O&M TNPDCL (TANGEDCO) Nehru Nagar, Coimbatore EDC/Metro Coimbatore W.A.No.2244,of,2026 THE,HON'BLE,CHIEF,JUSTICE ,,,,AND ,G.ARUL,MURUGAN,,J., bbr W.A.No.2244,of,2026 ,,,,,

31.07.2026 Page,6,of,6

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 31.07.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN and C.M.P.No.19455 of 2026 1.The Superintending Engineer TNPDCL, (TANGEDCO) Coimbatore Electricity Distribution Circle/Metro, Tatabad, Coimbatore -12. 2.The Assistant Executive Engineer O&M TNPDCL (TANGEDCO) Chinniampalayam Coimbatore EDC/Metro Coimbatore 3.The Assistant Engineer O&M TNPDCL (TANGEDCO) Nehru Nagar, Coimbatore EDC/Metro Coimbatore Appellants Vs R.Vanitha W/o.Ravichandran, Door No.12, Maharaja Nagar, Ext. Nehurunagar, Kalapatty East, Coimbatore North. Respondent PRAYER : Appeal filed under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent to set aside the order passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.No.7270 of 2026, dated 26.02.2026. For Appellants: Mr.L.Jaivenkatesh For Respondent: Ms.M.Adhishree