M.Samikannu, v. The District Collector,

O R D E R The petitioner challenges the proceedings dated 30.07.2025 issued by the fourth respondent, whereby the application submitted by the petitioner for providing electricity service connection to his dwelling house was rejected.

¶2The petitioner had submitted an application to the fourth respondent seeking electricity service connection for his dwelling house. However, the application was not accompanied by documents to substantiate that he is in occupation of the said dwelling house, and on that ground, the fourth respondent issued the impugned proceedings.

¶3Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

¶4It is settled law that even an encroacher is entitled to electricity service connection. Therefore, before rejecting the application, the fourth respondent ought to have conducted a spot inspection of the dwelling house to verify whether the petitioner is in actual possession of the property. In the absence of such an exercise, the impugned proceedings cannot be sustained.

¶5Accordingly, the Writ Petition is allowed and the impugned proceedings dated 30.07.2025 issued by the fourth respondent are hereby quashed. The fourth respondent is directed to conduct a spot inspection of the dwelling house in question and, upon enquiry, if it is found that there are no objections from any third party and that the petitioner is in occupation of the subject property, to provide electricity service connection to the said dwelling house. Such service connection shall be subject to the condition that the petitioner shall not claim any right over the subject property merely by virtue of the grant of electricity connection, and the provision of such connection shall not confer any legal right in respect of the dwelling house.

¶6The above exercise shall be completed within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶7There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

Index :Yes / No

26.03.2026 Internet :Yes / No NCC :Yes / No cmr To

1.The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

2.The District Revenue Officer, Thanjavur, Thanjavur District.

3.The Thasildar, Thiruvonam Taluk, Thanjavur District.

HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.

cmr

26.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 26.03.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR and W.M.P.(MD)No.6600 of 2026 M.Samikannu ... Petitioner vs. 1.The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur. 2.The District Revenue Officer, Thanjavur, Thanjavur District. 3.The Thasildar, Thiruvonam Taluk, Thanjavur District. 4.The Assistant Engineer, (Operation and Maintenance), Thiruvonam, Thanjavur District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to the impugned proceedings in Ka.No.U.Mi.Po/E&Para/ Thiruvo/Ko.USS/A.No.02/25-26 dated 30.07.2025 of the 4th respondent quash the same as illegal and consequently, to direct the 4th respondent to give electricity connection to the petitioner tiled house situated in S.No. 281AA/7A in Vettukkottai Village, Thiruvonam Taluk, Thanjavur District forthwith. For Petitioner :Mr.A.Arun Prasad For R1 to R3 :Ms.P.B.Ahamed Yasmin Parvin Government Advocate For R4 :Mr.S.Deenadhayalan *****