Disposed

Eastman Spinning Mills(P) Ltd. v. Tamilnadu General and

Madras HC5 Feb 2020WP(MD)/7263/2014

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

This common order disposed of numerous writ petitions challenging TANGEDCO's withdrawal of deemed demand charges. Citing an interim order in related writ appeals requiring 50% payment, the court directed petitioners to pay 50% immediately and the balance if appeals succeed, with liability to refund if petitioners succeed.

What did the court decide?

Directors to pay 50% of deemed demand charges immediately and the balance if the related writ appeals are allowed; entitled to refund if appeals succeed.

Eastman Spinning Mills(P) Ltd. Vs Tamilnadu General… — Writ and Judicial Review | Madras HC (2020)

¶1

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶2

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT

¶3

DATED : 05.02.2020

¶4

CORAM

¶5

THE HONOURABLE Mrs. JUSTICE PUSHPA SATHYANARAYANA

¶6

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 and 7264 of 2014, 9748, 3540 to 3543, 12567, 14981 of 2014, 3929 & 3930 of 2015, 4671, 10379 to 10391, 14785, 14786, 16278, 19424, 19425, 20597 to 20602, 22674, 22675, 22764 to 22767, 22866 of 2015, 48 of 2016, 10289 to 10292, 12686, 12687,

¶7

22572 to 22574 of 2016

¶8

and WMP(MD)Nos.7595 of 2019, 7864 of 2019, 6290 of 2016, 6287 of 2016, 5328 & 5329 of 2016, 58 to 60 of 2016 & 9556 of 2019, 8039 to 8050 of 2016, 9589 to 9594 of 2016, 16151 to 16159 of 2016 and connected WMPs

¶9

PETITIONER (s) :

¶10

Eastman Spinning Mills(P) Ltd., Viruthalaipatti, Kasipalayam Post, Vedasanthur-624 711. Dindigul District rep. by its Mr.M.Vijayakumar.

¶11

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 7263/ 2014 Eastman Textiles (Division Of East. Exp. Global Clothing (P) Ltd) Viruthalaipatti, Kasipalayam Post, Vedasanthur, Dindigul District , Htsc No.059094500257 Rep by its General Manager and Authorised Signatory Mr.M.Vijayakumar.

¶12

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 7264/ 2014 S.A.Aanandan Spining Mills (P) Ltd., Srivilliputtur Road, Rajapalayam – 117, Virudhunagar District (Htsc No. 169) Represented by its Electrical Manager Mr. S. Munisamy.

¶13

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 9748/ 2014

¶14

Eveready Spinning Mills Private Ltd., Htsc No.104 Kottaiyur – Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul District, Rep. by its Jt. Managing director Mr.S. Chandrakumar

¶15

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 3540/ 2014

¶16

Eveready Spinning Mills Private Ltd - Unit II, Htsc No.177, Nagampatty, Vedasandur - 624 710, Dindigul District, Rep. by its Jt. Managing director Mr.S. Chandrakumar

¶17

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 3541/ 2014

¶18

Eveready Spinning Mills Private Ltd - Unit III, Htsc No.282, Nagampatty, Vedasandur - 624 710, Dindigul District, Rep. by its Jt. Managing director Mr.S. Chandrakumar

¶19

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 3542/ 2014

¶20

Eveready Spinning Mills Private Ltd - Unit IV, Htsc No.347, Kottaiyur- Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul 627709, Dindigul District, Rep. by its Jt. Managing director Mr.S. Chandrakumar

¶21

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 3543/ 2014

¶22

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶23

1/11

¶24

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶25

Pavathal Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd. Htsc No.168, Kolumam Road, Neikkarpatty, Palani, Dindigul-624 615, Repd. by its Manager C. Santhoshkumar.

¶26

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 12567/ 2014 Subburaj Textile Mills Pvt Ltd, Htsc No.177, Madurai Road, Sankar Nagar, Tirunelveli-627 357, Tirunelveli District, Rep by its Manager K. Deenadayalan.

¶27

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 14981/ 2014

¶28

M/s Kaveri Yarns and Fabrics Ltd., Htsc No. 112, Repd. by its Manager P.Selvakumar , Periavallikulam, Virudhunagar 626 001

¶29

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 3929/ 2015

¶30

M/s. Naachiar Paper Boards Pvt Ltd., Rep by its Manager M. Samayakaruppasamy, Htsc No.302, S.F. No.352 & 353 Sevelpatti Village, Near Vembakottai, Sivakasi.

¶31

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 3930/ 2015 M/s. Rahul Spinning Mills, Rep. by its Partner, P. Devaraj, S/o. Perumal Raja, 3/191-A, Melapattinam, Krisalkulam, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District.

¶32

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 4671/ 2015

¶33

Sri Velayudhaswamy Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd., Htsc No. 130, Nagampatty, Vedasandur, Dindigul 624 710 Dindigul District , Repd. by its Director P.S. Veluswamy

¶34

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10379/ 2015

¶35

Prabhu Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd., Htsc No. 148, Nagampatty, Vedasandur, Dindigul - 624 710, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Managing Director P.S. Veluswamy.

¶36

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10380/ 2015 Adisankara Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd(Knitting Division)., Htsc No. 274, Kottaiyur, Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul 624 709, Dindigul District , Repd. by its Director P.S. Veluswamy.

¶37

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10381/ 2015

¶38

Sudhan Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd, Htsc No. 102 Thadicombu, Dindigul 624 709, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Director P.S. Veluswamy

¶39

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10382/ 2015

¶40

Sri Shanmugavel Mills Pvt. Ltd.,(Weaving Division) Htsc No. 268, Kottaiyur, Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Managing Director P.S. Veluswamy.

¶41

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10383/ 2015 Sudhan Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd. (Unit Ii) , Htsc No. 310 Kottaiyur, Agaram Village, Dindigul 624 709, Dindigul District , Repd. by its Director P.S. Veluswamy

¶42

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10384/ 2015 Prabhu Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd., (Open End Division) Htsc No. 251, Kottaiyur, Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul District Repd. by its Managing Director P.S.Veluswamy

¶43

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10385/ 2015

¶44

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶45

2/11

¶46

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶47

Sri Velayudhaswamy Spinning Pvt. Ltd., Unit II, Htsc No. 281, Kottaiyur, Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Managing Director P.S. Veluswamy.

¶48

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10386/ 2015 Adisankara Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd. Htsc No. 182,Ottanagamapatty, Vedasandur, Dindigul-624 710, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Director P.S. Velusamy.

¶49

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10387/ 2015 Sri Sankari Yarns Pvt. Ltd., Htsc. N. 298 Kottaiyur Agaram Village, Thadicombu, Dindigul 624 709, Dindigul District Repd. by its Managing Directors S.M.K . Sudhan

¶50

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10388/ 2015

¶51

Vedha Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd., Htsc No. 236, Thadicombu, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Managing Director P.S. Veluswamy.

¶52

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10389/ 2015 Sivaraj Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd. Htsc No. 65 Thadicombu, Dindigul-624 709, Dindigul District, Repd. by its Director P.S. Velusamy.

¶53

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10390/ 2015 Sri Shanmugavel Mills Pvt.Lt D., Htsc. N0.32 Thadicombu, Dindigul 624 709 Dindigul District Repd. by its Managing Director P.S. Veluswamy

¶54

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10391/ 2015 Moon Spinners Ltd., Ht. Sc.No.102, 69-70, Kalakad Road, Soorangudi, Nanguneri Tk, Pin - 627 108, Tirunelveli District Repd. by It Manager K.Ravikumar.

¶55

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 14785/ 2015 Seyadu Spinning Mills, Ht Sc No.194, (A Seyadu Division of Seyadu Beedi Company), No.2/233-1, Tenkasi Road, Keelarumpuliyoothu, Pin-627 851, Tirunelveli District, Rep. by its Manager K.Ravikumar

¶56

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 14786/ 2015

¶57

Maris Spinners Ltd.,Htsc.No.88, Kulithalai Road, Sevalur Village, Manapparai, Trichy District Rep. by its General Manager R.S.Ganappathi

¶58

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 16278/ 2015 Centwin Textiles (P) Ltd. Htsc No.82, S.F.No.406, Karur Road, V. Pudukottai, Vedasandur 624 710, Dindigul District Rep. by its Authorised Signatory V. Palanikumar

¶59

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 19424/ 2015

¶60

Sri Jayajothi & Co.Ltd., Unit-Ii, Htscno.315, No.70, Alagai Nagar, Rajapalayam 626 117, Virudhunagar District Rep. by its Electrical Engineer, B.Seenivasagam

¶61

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 19425/ 2015

¶62

Sri Saravana Spinning Mills (P) Ltd., Htsc No.179, Unit -Ii, Renganathapuram, Kasipalalyam(P), Vedasandur- 624 711. Dindigual District Rep. by its Authorised Signatory S. Palanivel.

¶63

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 20597/ 2015

¶64

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶65

3/11

¶66

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶67

Nithin Textiles(P)ltd. Htsc No.296, Pithalaipatty, Dindigul 624 002 Dindigual District Rep. by its Authorised Signatory S. Palanivel.

¶68

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 20598/ 2015 Sri Jayajothi & Co. Ltd., Oe-Division Htscno.170, Industrial Estate, Sulakarai, Virudhunagar 626 003, Virudhunagar District , Rep. by its Electrical Engineer B.Seenivasagam

¶69

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 20599/ 2015 Parani Spinning Mills (P) Ltd., Htsc No.98, S.F. No. 399/1, Nh-7 Karur Rd, V. Pudukottai, Vedasandur- 624 710. Dindigual District Rep. by its Authorised Sig. C. Kalimuthu.

¶70

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 20600/ 2015 Guhan Textile Mills(P)ltd. Htsc No.147, Viruthalaipatty 624 711, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District Rep. by its Office Manager C. Kalimuthu

¶71

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 20601/ 2015

¶72

SSM Fine Yarns,Htsc No.252 (Division of Saravana Spg.Mills) Eluvanampatty, Batlagundu 624 202, Dindigul District Rep. by its Authorised Signatory S.Palanivel

¶73

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 20602/ 2015

¶74

Gain Up Industries India P.Ltd, Htsc No.307, Sitherevu Village, Ottupatty, Dindigul District Director S.Dwarakanathan

¶75

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22674/ 2015 Sri Alamelu Ammal Mills Inda P, Ltd., Htsc No.280 Sitherevu Village Ottupatty Dindigul District Managing Director S.Dwarakanathan

¶76

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22675/ 2015 The Rajaratna Mills P Ltd. Htsc No.91, Chinnakalayamputhur, A.Kalayamputhur (Post), Palani 624 615, Dindigul District, Rep. by its Accounts Manager T. Ramesh

¶77

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22764/ 2015

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The Rajaratna Mills P Ltd., Htsc No.6, Neikkarapatti A.Kalauamputhur (Post), Palani - 624 615, Dindigul District, by its Accounts Manager T.Ramesh

¶79

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22765/ 2015

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Sri Parameswari Spinning Mills P Ltd. Htsc No.327, Great Cotton Road, Pandalgudi 626 113, Aruppukottai Authorised Signatory G. Gopala Krishnan

¶81

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22766/ 2015 Sri Parameswari Spinning Mills P Ltd. Htsc No.249, Great Cotton Road, Pandalgudi 626 113, Aruppukottai, by its Authorised Signatory G. Gopala Krishnan, Virudhunagar District

¶82

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22767/ 2015

¶83

M/s.Super Spinning Mills Limited, C Unit, Ht Sc.Ho.127, Rep. by its President - Operations, D.Gudalur, Dindigul District 624 620

¶84

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22866/ 2015

¶85

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶86

4/11

¶87

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶88

M/s. Subburaj Cotton Mills Private Limited, Unit Ii, Rep. by its Managing Director A.Saravana Kumar, HT Sc No.305, Srivilliputhur Road, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District

¶89

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 48/ 2016 Subburaj Spinning Mills(P)ltd., HTsc No.181, Madurai Road, Sankar Nagar, Tirunelveli-627 357, Tirunelveli District, Asst. General Manager S.Ganesh

¶90

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10289/ 2016

¶91

Naga Ltd., (Minerals) HTsc No.205, No.9, Trichy Road, Dindigul 624 005, Dindigul District Authorised Signatory M.Rajkumar

¶92

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10290/ 2016

¶93

Naga Limited HTsc No. 124. Oddanchataram Road, Vedasandur 624 009, Dindigul District Authorised Signatory M.Rajkumar.

¶94

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10291/ 2016

¶95

Naga Limited, (Foods), HTsc No.27, Seelapady Village, Trichy Road, Dindigul-624 009, Dindigul District, Authorised Signatory M.Rajkumar

¶96

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 10292/ 2016 Vaighai Agro Products Ltd., HTsc No.128, No.315, Adaikalapattinam, Alankulam Tk., Tirunelveli 627 808, Tirunelveli District Rep. by its Director N.Neethi Raj

¶97

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 12686/ 2016

¶98

Vaighai Agro Products Ltd., HTsc No.78, No.39 B, Anna Nagar, Madurai- 627 808, Madurai District, Rep. by its Director N.Neethi Raj

¶99

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 12687/ 2016

¶100

Balavigna Weaving Mills Pvt. Ltd., Htsc No. 258, Uralipatty Road, Velvarkottai Po, Vadamadurai-624803, Dindigul District Rep by its Finance Directors S. Krishnamoorthy

¶101

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22572/ 2016

¶102

Balavigna Weaving Mills Pvt. Ltd., Unit-2, Htsc No. 389, S.F.No. 272/2a, 278/2b, Uralipatty Road, Velvarkottai Po, Vadamadurai624803, Dindigul District Rep by its Finance Directors S. Krishnamoorthy

¶103

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD)22573/ 2016

¶104

Jayavelu Spinning Mills (P) Ltd., Htsc No.232, Great Cotton Road, Mettilpatti 628 905, Vilathikulam Taluk, Tuticorin District , Rep. by its Authorised Signatory B.Madhavamurthi

¶105

... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 22574/ 2016

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Vs.

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RESPONDENT(S)

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TAMILNADU GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION LTD. (TANGEDCO), 144, ANNA SALAI, CHENNAI - 600 002.

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https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

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5/11

¶111

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

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CHIEF FINANCIAL CONTROLLER REVENUE TANGEDCO, 144, ANNA SALAI, CHENNAI - 600 002.

¶113

…………Respondent Nos.1 and 2 in all Writ Petitions

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THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, TANGEDCO, DINDIGUL ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CIRCLE, DINDIGUL

¶115

………….Third Respondent in W.P(MD)Nos.7263, 7264, 12567 of 2014,, 10379 to 10391, 19424, 20597, 20598, 20600 to 20602, 22674, 22675, 22764, 22765, 22866 of 2015, 10290 to 10292, 22572 and 22573 of 2016 and Fourth Respondent in W.P.(MD)Nos. 3540 to 3543 of 2014.

¶116

THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, TANGEDCO,

¶117

VIRUDHUNAGAR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CIRCLE, VIRUDHUNAGAR.

¶118

………….Third Respondent in W.P(MD)Nos.9748 of 2014, 3929, 3930, 19425, 20599, 22766, 22767 of 2015 and 48 of 2016 and Fourth Respondent in W.P.(MD)No. 4671 of 2015.

¶119

THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, TIRUNELVELI ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CIRCLE, TAMIL NADU GENERARION AND DISTRIBUTION, CORPORATION LTD., (TANGEDCO), TIRUNELVELI.

¶120

………….Third Respondent in W.P(MD)Nos.14981 of 2014, 14785, 14786 of 2015, 10289 and 12686 of 2016

¶121

THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER,

¶122

TRICHY ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CIRCLE, TAMIL NADU GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION LIMITED(TANGEDCO), TRICHY

¶123

………….Third Respondent in W.P(MD)No.16278 of 2015

¶124

THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER,

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TIRUNELVELI ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CIRCLE, TAMILNADU GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION LIMITED (TANGEDCO),

¶126

MADURAI.

¶127

………….Third Respondent in W.P(MD)No.12687 of 2016

¶128

THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER, TUTICORIN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CIRCLE, TANGEDCO, TUTICORIN

¶129

………….Third Respondent in W.P(MD)No.22574 of 2016

¶130

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶131

6/11

¶132

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶133

TAMIL NADU ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION,

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THROUGH ITS SECRETARY NO.19A RUKMINI LAKSHMIPATHY SALAI, EGMORE, CHENNAI - 600 008.

¶135

………….Third Respondent in W.P.(MD)Nos. 3540 to 3543 of 2014, 4671 of 2015 and Fourth Respondent in W.P(MD)Nos.7263, 7264, 9748, 12567, 14981 of 2014, 3929, 3930, 10379 to 10391, 14785, 14786, 16278, 19424, 19425, 20597 to 20602, 22674, 22675, 22764 to 22767, 22866 of 2015, 48, 10289 to 10292,12686, 12687, 22572 to 22574 of 2016

¶136

Common Prayer in WP(MD). 7263, 7264, 9748, 3540 to 3543, 12567, 14981/2014, 3929, 3930, 4671, 10379 to 10391, 14785, 14786, 16278, 19424, 19425, 20597 to 20602, 22674, 22675, 22764 to 22767/2015, 48, 10289 to 10292, 12686, 12687 and 22572 to 22574/2016 :

¶137

Writ Petitions are filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court To issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records of the 2nd respondent contained in impugned letter CFC/FC/DFC/AAO.HT/AS.3/REV/D.N. 115/13, 115/12 respectively dated 29.07.2013 and quash the same as arbitrary, illegal and violative of the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the orders of the TNERC.

¶138

Prayer in WP(MD). 22866/ 2015 :

¶139

Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court To issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records of the 2nd Respondent impugned communications bearing Lr.No./CFC/FC/DFC/AAO.HT/ AS.3/REV/D.NO.115/13 dated 29.07.2013 and Memo.No. CFC/REV/FC/REV/AS.3/D.No.219/15 dated 14.09.2015 culminating in the 3rd Respondent impugned demand bearing Lr.No.SE/DEDC/DGL/AO/REV/HT/F.BOAB/D.NO.412-1/15 dated 20.11.2015 issued for HT SC.No.127, quash the same.

¶140

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014 7264, 9748 of 2014, 3929 of 2015, 3930, 14785, 14786 of 2015 and 48 of 2016 :

¶141

For Petitioner : Mr.N.Sudalai Muthu

¶142

W.P.(MD)Nos.3540 to 3543 of 2014, 12567, 14981 of 2014, 10379 to 10391 of 2015, 16278, 19424, 19425, 20597 to 20602, 22764 to 22767 of 2015, 10289 to 10292 of 2016, 22572 to 22574 of 2016 :

¶143

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/ For Petitioner : Mr.R.S.Pandiyaraj

¶144

7/11

¶145

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶146

W.P.(MD)No.4671 of 2015 :

¶147

For Petitioner : Mr.P.Arun Jayatram

¶148

W.P.(MD)No.22674 and 22675 of 2015, 12686 and 12687 of 2016 :

¶149

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sundara Pandian

¶150

W.P.(MD)No.22866 of 2015 :

¶151

For Petitioner : Mr.A.Saravanakumar

¶152

All these writ petitions :

¶153

For Respondents : Mr.S.M.S.Johnny Basha Standing Counsel

¶154

C O M M O N O R D E R

¶155

Since all these petitioners laid challenge to the orders of cancellation of Deemed Demand Charges passed by the respondents in these writ petitions, they are taken up together for hearing and disposed of by means of this common order.

¶156

The case of the petitioner in W.P.(MD)No.7263 of 2014 is that it is a High Tension Electricity Consumer supplied by the third respondent. Since there were power crisis, with the permission of the fourth respondent, which is a regulatory body, the official respondents enforced restrictive supply to the HT Consumers. It is also the case of the petitioner that to meet out its need for electricity the petitioner and other similarly placed industries in the State sourced electricity power from the third party power generators within and outside the State under certain terms and conditions. However, all of a sudden, the second respondent issued the impugned letter dated 29.07.2013 withdrawing the benefit of deemed demand so far granted to the petitioner and other similar HT Consumers without the approval of the fourth respondent. Since it has a slipping effect on the cost of their production activities, the petitioner instituted this writ petition. Similar is the case of the petitioners in the other writ petitions.

¶157

Heard the learned counsels for the petitioners and the learned Standing counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents.

¶158

The very same impugned order was quashed by a learned https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/ Single Judge of this Court in the order dated 14.09.2018 passed in

¶159

8/11

¶160

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶161

a batch of writ petitions in W.P.No.5916 of 2014, etc. batch (Rasi Tex (In) P Ltd V. TANGEDCO and Others).

¶162

The respondents/TANGECO questioned the said order in W.A.No.2539 and 2540 of 2018 before a Division Bench of this Court. The Division Bench, after taking note of the submission of the learned Advocate General that during the pendency of the writ petitions interim stay has been granted subject to the condition that the writ petitioners pay 50% of the amount demanded within a stipulated time and also considering the objections of the learned Senior counsel and other counsels for the respondents therein, while ordering notice on 19.11.2018, passed the following interim order :

¶163

"8. Therefore, in the light of the above facts and circumstances, and reasons assigned above, this Court is of the considered view that the same arrangement shall continue till the disposal of the writ appeals for the reason that appellant in the event of success in these appeals may not be able to recover it and there may be possibility of respondents / writ petitioners to wind up operations due to vagaries of business or other reasons. Therefore, without prejudice to the rights and contentions, the first respondents / writ petitioners shall continue to pay 50% of the demand made as per the impugned orders / demand, the subject matter of challege in the writ petitions, within a period of two weeks from the date of each demand. It is also made clear that the amount collected by virtue of the interim order in the writ petitions as well as in these writ appeals, by the appellant is also subject to the result of these writ appeals, and if the appellant fails, they are liable to refund the Deemed Demand Charges already collected from the first respondents / writ petitioners. ....."

¶164

The learned Standing Counsel for the respondents admitted that the said writ appeals are pending and the petitioners are similarly placed units as that of the first respondents in the writ appeals. It is also brought to the notice of this Court that in the interregnum, following the interim order passed by the Division Bench, this Court disposed of a number of writ petitions with similar directions.

¶165

Considering the submissions of either side and in light of the facts coupled with the interim order passed by the Division Bench, these writ petitions are disposed of with the following directions :

¶166

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶167

9/11

¶168

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶169

(i) The petitioners are directed to pay 50% of the deemed demand charges, if not paid so far and continue to pay the same till the disposal of the writ appeal.

¶170

(ii) The petitioners are also liable to pay the balance deemed demand charges, if the writ appeal filed by the TANGEDCO is allowed.

¶171

(iii) Needless to say that the petitioners are also entitled to get similar refund, if any, if the first respondents in the writ appeals succeed, subject to the orders/observations of the Division Bench.

¶172

(iv) It is open to the petitioners to take recourse to any suitable action in the manner known to law, in the interregnum.

¶173

There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

¶174

Deputy Registrar(LA & M)

// True Copy //

Tamilnadu Generation And Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TANGEDCO), 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

¶179

Chief Financial Controller Revenue TANGEDCO, 144, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

¶180

The Superintending Engineer TANGEDCO, Dindigul Electricity Distribution Circle, Dindigul

¶181

The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Virudhunagar Electricity Distribution Circle, Virudhunagar.

¶182

The Superintending Engineer Tirunelveli Electricity Distribution Circle, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution, Corporation Ltd., (TANGEDCO), Tirunelveli.

¶183

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

¶184

10/11

¶185

W.P.(MD)Nos.7263 of 2014, etc.

¶186

The Superintending Engineer Trichy Electricity Distribution Circle, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), Trichy

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The Superintending Engineer Tirunelveli Electricity Distribution Circle, Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), Madurai

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