Electrocution victim’s kin to get Rs 10 lakh relief

Justice MS Ramesh on striking down Tangedco’s contention that the wire had snapped only due to the heavy wind and rain, which amounted to an “Act of God” and that there was negligence involved, said “It is needless to mention that prior to installation of live-wire, careful precaution must be taken to ensure that the electric wires which are prone to come into contact with the public if snapped in times of heavy rain and wind are installed with utmost durability and endeavor to withstand such unforeseen calamity.”

The judge on holding that absence of precaution would amount to negligence, said “It is common knowledge that rain tends to become heavy only after gradual and constant down pour, which are always predictable and hence precautions like cutting down the power supply to the openly installed live wires and transformer is essential.” 

On September 27, 2010, the petitioner’s eldest son victor, who was then 27 years, contacted a live wire that had snapped down in the vacant plot, resulting in his death. The plea had submitted that the victim had died owing to negligence on Tangedco’s part.