Read Time: 04 minutes

Justice S.M. Subaramaniam of Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and the District Collector of Thiruvarur to pay Rs. 5 lakhs as compensation to the family of a man who died of electrocution.

The petition was filed by his widow stating that her husband Late Ravi went to a tea shop on 31st October 2012 at Tiruthuraipoondi Poonduvalli street, near Sai Nagar. The judgment notes that an electric wire broke and fell on the road due to heavy rain fall and storm. The victim, without noticing the same, touched the live electric wire and died on the spot.

The judgment further notes that the accident was reported to the Village Administrative officer and subsequently a  Criminal Case was registered by the Thiruthuraipoondi Police under Section 174 of Cr.P.C. A copy of the F.I.R reveals that the the person died due to electrocution and the Village Administrative Officer had also made a complaint to the Inspector of Police regarding the death due to electrocution.

The court concluded that,

“In view of the fact that the death due to electrocution was established through these documents, and thus no further evidence is required for the purpose of considering the case of the writ petitioner.”

The court directed the District Collector, Superintendent Engineer, Executive Engineer and the Junior Engineer of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to pay a sum of Rs.5 lakhs along with an interest at the rate of 5% per annum from the date of death i.e, on 31st October till the date of realisation. The court further directed that the   amount of compensation along with the interest is be paid to the family of the victim within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the order.

Case title: Vasanth Vs District Collector & Ors