Coming to the rescue of victims of electricity accidents, including two minors, who were deprived of immediate compensation, the Karnataka High Court has directed the public electricity distribution and supply companies to pay a total compensation of ₹1.28 crore in three separate incidents that occurred during 2017-18.
“The action of the respondent in not disbursing the ex-gratia compensation in terms of the Government’s norms is an arbitrary action insofar as the very object of providing ex-gratia compensation stands defeated by non-disbursement,” the Court observed.
Justice S. Sunil Dutt Yadav issued the directions on August 4 while allowing three separate petitions. The petitions were filed by Rekha, the widow of an agricultural labourer who was electrocuted at a coffee plantation in Sakaleshpura of Hassan district, 15-year-old Chandana K. of Lottegollahalli in Bengaluru, and seven-year-old Muizz Ahmad Shariff of Gurananpalya in Bengaluru.
