An order under Section 16(1) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, by an Additional District Magistrate, confirming a feasible and economical route for an electric line, warrants no judicial interference unless procedural illegality is shown, as the Act does not provide for a statutory appeal from such orders.

J U D G M E N T

This writ petition is filed challenging Ext.P1 order passed by the 1^st respondent, the Additional District Magistrate under Section 16(1) of the Indian Telegraph Act (the Act), permitting drawing of electric line through the property of the petitioner. The petitioner and the 4^th respondent are neighbours. There is a pathway used by the petitioner, the 4^th respondent and three others who are the owners of the property on the side of the pathway. The pathway leads to Muthappankavu temple. The 4^th respondent applied for an electric connection to his house. The officials of the Board visited the property and decided to draw electric line through the electric post already installed in the property of the petitioner. This is objected to by the petitioner and the matter was referred to the 1^st respondent under Section 16(1) of the Act.

2. The 1^st respondent, the Additional District Magistrate, after hearing the petitioner and the 4^th respondent, passed Ext.P1 order. The 1^st respondent found that the proposal made by the Board is more feasible and economical than the proposal made by the petitioner and ordered to draw electric line through the property of the petitioner.

3. A counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of respondents 2 and 3, wherein it is stated that, pursuant to Ext. P1 order, the connection had already been effected on 16.05.2025, whereas the writ petition was filed only on 31.07.2025. The reason stated by the petitioner for the delay in approaching this Court is that he was making representation before the District Collector against Ext.P1. It is to be noted that the District Magistrate or the District Collector has not been conferred with any appellate powers under the Act over the decision of the 1^st respondent, the Additional District Magistrate under Section 16(1) of the Act.

I do not find any reason to interfere with Ext.P1 order of the Additional District Magistrate. Accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed.