In a significant judgment, the Chhattisgarh High Court upheld a compensation award of ₹10.37 lakh for the family of a woman who tragically died after an electrocution incident at her home. The case centered around the death of Pancho Bai Yadav in December 2017, when she was fatally electrocuted while turning off a borewell water pump.
The Bench, consisting of Justices Rajani Dubey and Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal, affirmed the trial court’s decision to hold the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) accountable. The High Court ruled that the compensation was both fair and proportional, taking into account the circumstances, including the deceased’s age, occupation, and the dependents she left behind.
“The amount awarded cannot be deemed excessive; rather, it is a just response to the facts of the case,” the Court stated, rejecting claims from the State power entities that the sum was exorbitant.
Strict Liability Reinforced
Citing legal precedent, the Court emphasized the principle of strict liability for entities engaged in inherently hazardous activities. Regardless of negligence or intent, the CSPDCL was held responsible for ensuring the safety of its infrastructure, a duty it failed to fulfill.
The electricity board had argued that the deceased bore responsibility, claiming the switch was installed in damp conditions and lacked proper earthing in the home’s internal wiring. However, both the trial and appellate courts dismissed these arguments, determining that the electrocution stemmed from inadequate earthing for which CSPDCL was ultimately liable.
A Battle for Accountability
The trial court had awarded ₹10,37,680 to Yadav’s family, along with 9% annual interest from the date of the incident. This judgment was challenged by CSPDCL and the Chhattisgarh Rajya Mandal Board, who claimed they were not responsible for internal wiring faults within the residence. However, the High Court found no evidence of negligence on the part of the deceased or her family and reaffirmed the trial court’s findings.
Dismissing the appeal, the Court reiterated that power distributors must adhere to stringent safety standards, holding CSPDCL accountable for the tragic loss. The judgment not only provided solace to the grieving family but also reinforced the critical importance of safety in public utilities.
