The petitioner is challenging Ext.P5 order of the Additional District Magistrate, giving sanction for drawing a 33 KV electricity line through his property. The main ground of attack against the said order is that he was not given notice of the hearing held on 09.01.2007. A counsel appeared and submitted on behalf of the petitioner at the time of hearing that he does not have any objection in drawing the line as approved by the Additional District Magistrate in Ext.P5. But, the petitioner submits, he did not engage any lawyer to appear before the Additional District Magistrate and plead for him. The order has been passed without hearing him and in violation of the principles of natural justice. Therefore, he seeks to quash it, to the extent it concerns him. In view of the submissions made by the petitioner, the files were called for. It is seen from the files that no notice was served on the petitioner for the meeting held on 09.01.2007. It is also evident from the files that the petitioner has not signed the vakalath presented by the counsel, who appeared for him before the Additional District Magistrate. Therefore, the contention of the petitioner has to be accepted. So, Ext.P5, to the extent it concerns drawing of the line over the petitioner's property, is quashed. The first respondent is directed to afford an opportunity of being heard to the petitioner, the third respondent and also other affected persons, if any and pass fresh orders, concerning drawing of the line over the petitioner's property, in accordance with law within one month from the date of
