Livindhas, v. The Assistant Engineer,

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed challenging the proceedings of the first respondent dated 06.06.2026 and consequently seeking a direction to the first respondent to shift the electric poles erected on the Manjadi–Edaikattanvilai Road.

2.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had submitted an application dated 30.12.2025 to the first respondent/Electricity Board requesting the shifting of the existing electric line to the unobjectionable portion on the edge of the roadside. It is submitted that the petitioner had also expressed his willingness to bear the Deposit Contribution Works (DCW) charges. According to the learned counsel, the first respondent had initially accepted the request, and the concerned Town Panchayat had also issued a No Objection Certificate for carrying out the proposed shifting. However, subsequently, on account of objections raised by certain local residents and the Executive Officer, the first respondent passed the impugned proceedings dated 06.06.2026 rejecting the petitioner's request. Aggrieved by the said order, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

3.The learned counsel for State appearing for the second respondent submitted that the Town Panchayat has no objection to the shifting of the electric line, provided the same is carried out along the edge of the roadside in such a manner that it does not obstruct or interfere with the ingress and egress of the general public.

4.This Court has considered the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record.

5.In view of the stand taken by the second respondent that there is no objection for shifting the electric line along the edge of the roadside, this Court is of the opinion that the impugned proceedings cannot be sustained. Accordingly, the impugned order dated 06.06.2026 is set aside and the matter is remitted to the first respondent for fresh consideration.

6.The first respondent is directed to carry out the Deposit Contribution Works (DCW) for shifting the electric line to the edge of the roadside, in accordance with the applicable rules and technical requirements, without causing any obstruction to the ingress and egress of the general public. The said exercise shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7.With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

21.07.2026 NCC :Yes / No Index : Yes / No ps To

1.The Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Distribution, Eraviputhurkadai, Kattathurai Post, Kanyakumari District.

2.The Executive Officer, Valvachagostam Town Panchayat Office, Valvachagostam, Kanyakumari District.

M.DHANDAPANI, J. ps

21.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 21.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and W.M.P(MD)No.14089 of 2026 Livin Dhas ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Distribution, Eraviputhurkadai, Kattathurai Post, Kanyakumari District. 2.The Executive Officer, Valvachagostam Town Panchayat Office, Valvachagostam, Kanyakumari District. ... Respondents (R – 2 is impleaded vide order dated 13.07.2026 in W.M.P(MD)No.14497 of 2026) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records of the respondent in Ka.No.Umi Po/V/Eravi/Koo. Katta/A.No.233/25-26 dated 06.06.2026 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondent to shift the poles erected in the Manjadi to Edaikattanvilai road. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Sonu For Respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan (R1) Standing Counsel for TNEB : Mr.R.Ramasamy (R2) Counsel for State