HC enhances compensation money for electrocution victim’s kin to Rs 16 lakhs

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka has enhanced the compensation payable to a victim of electrocution to Rs.16 lakhs from Rs.10 lakhs after reevaluation and reconsideration of the evidence.

The HC referred to the Supreme Court decisions in cases related to motor vehicle accident cases to enhance the compensation.

Channaveeraiah had died due to electrocution in March 2017 while plucking betel leaves in Kabbinadasethuve Palya, Gubbi, Tumakuru when he came in contact with a live wire.

His wife and minor children sought compensation form the BESCOM claiming that the death was caused due to the negligent act of the Corporation.

After hearing the parties, the trial Court came to the conclusion that the demise of Channaveeraiah was on account of negligence on the part of BESCOM authorities and consequently calculated the quantum of damages at Rs.10,48,000.

The wife and children of Chennaveeraiah approached the HC with an appeal in 2022 seeking enhancement of compensation.

Justice SR Krishna Kumar who heard the petition in his judgment said, “Upon re-appreciation, re-evaluation and reconsideration of entire material on record, I am of the considered opinion that the compensation awarded by the trial Court deserves to be re-worked and enhanced by taking into account the notional income of the deceased Channaveeraiah and bearing in mind the principles related to payment of compensation in motor vehicle accident cases as held by the Hon'ble Apex Court.”

The HC enhanced the compensation to Rs.16,70,056 and ordered BESCOM to pay the additional Rs.6,22,056 to the victim’s family.

“The appellants - plaintiffs are entitled to additional enhanced compensation of Rs.6,22,056 payable by the respondent - defendant to the appellants - plaintiffs together with interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of suit till the date of payment,” the HC said disposing the appeal. (RFA 1704/2022)