TSNPDCL asked to pay Rs 10L to Mancherial woman whose husband died of electrocution

Laxmi Mutyala's husband Mutyala Guruvaiah (47) while fishing at Patha Yellaram village canal in Mancherial district was electrocuted when a live electric wire snapped all of a sudden in June 2020.

The family alleged that the incident occurred due to the negligence service of TSNPDCL officials as they are not maintaining electric lines properly.

On a complaint, Luxettipet police registered a case. The family said the deceased was hale and healthy at the time of the accident and used to earn Rs.15, 000 per month. But due to the untimely death of the deceased, the complainant lost only earning member in her family. The complainant said she slipped into a mental shock and suffered a lot physically and financially.

TSNPDCL submitted that that non-insulated wire was inserted in the river water to extend the power supply and the deceased slipped and fell in the river and he died of electrocution. The deceased died due to his own negligence and the TSNPDCL is not liable for the same.

After hearing both sides, the commission said TSNPDCL defense stating that the deceased falling into the river and dying is self negligent cannot stand and escape the liability of maintaining the lines failed to justify their objection.

"We opine that there are many cases as per the Electricity Act conclude that it is the duty of the TSNPDCL to maintain the lines 24x7 and prevent the danger/calamity and avoiding the mishappenings of death. The complainant well establishes their case and we also see untimely death leading to deficiency in service and are entitled to the claim," said the commission.

The commission directed TSNPDCL to pay Rs five lakh ex-gratia and a compensation of Rs five lakh and Rs 2,000, for the cost of litigation.