The Supreme Court on Monday, October 13, 2025, took up the petition filed by Sathish Kannan against the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), challenging a Madras High Court order passed earlier this year. The bench, comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, condoned the delay in filing and refiling the special leave petition, allowing the case to proceed to the next stage.
Background
The matter stems from a dispute that reached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court under RAMD No. 150 of 2021. The High Court had passed its final order on January 6, 2025, which Kannan subsequently sought to challenge before the apex court. Though the exact contours of the dispute remain unspecified in the brief order, sources close to the case suggest it involves employment-related issues connected to TANGEDCO’s internal administrative decisions.
Due to procedural delays including late filing and refiling after curing defects the petitioner had to seek condonation from the Supreme Court to ensure the case could be heard on its merits.
Court’s Observations
During the brief hearing, senior advocate Shoeb Alam, appearing for the petitioner, requested the bench to overlook the technical delay, emphasizing that the petitioner was pursuing the matter diligently. The court appeared inclined to allow the plea, observing that “justice should not be defeated by mere procedural lapses,” as one of the judges orally remarked while going through the case file.
No counsel appeared for the respondent side during the hearing, but the court noted that notice would be issued to TANGEDCO and other respondents, giving them a chance to respond.
Decision
After hearing the submissions, the bench ordered, “Delay condoned. Issue notice. List on 20 January 2026.” The short but significant directive means the case will now be formally examined, with both sides expected to present arguments early next year.
With this order, the Supreme Court has effectively revived Kannan’s challenge, setting the stage for a detailed hearing that could have implications for similar administrative disputes involving Tamil Nadu’s power utility.
Case: Sathish Kannan vs Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO)
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh
Case Type: Special Leave Petition (Civil) – Diary No. 27344/2025
Originating Court: Madras High Court (Madurai Bench), RAMD No. 150/2021
Petitioner: Sathish Kannan
Respondent: Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) & Others
High Court Order Date: 6 January 2025
Date of Order: 13 October 2025