Court Rules Out Compensation for Domestic Electrocution Incidents Beyond Metering Point; Stresses Need for Prompt Communication of Decisions
In a significant decision, the Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition seeking compensation for a tragic electrocution death that occurred within a residential premise. The case, titled "Shrawan Kewat v. State of Chhattisgarh," was presided over by Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, who delivered the verdict on July 8, 2026.
The petitioner, Shrawan Kewat, sought compensation for the untimely demise of his wife, Sarita Kewat, who was electrocuted while operating a Tullu Pump within their home. The claim was based on alleged negligence by the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited. However, the court found that the incident did not fall within the scope of the Circular dated September 10, 2018, which governs compensation for electrical accidents limited to the electricity meter or installation up to the consumer's metering point.
The court emphasized that compensation under the said Circular is only applicable in cases where accidents occur in relation to the electricity meter or electrical installation up to the metering point. Since the incident happened beyond this point, within the internal electrical system of the consumer, the court ruled that the petitioner was not entitled to the relief of compensation.
In its judgment, the court also addressed a critical administrative issue. It noted that there was no evidence that the rejection of the petitioner's compensation application was communicated to him. Highlighting the importance of communication, the court directed the authorities to ensure prompt and timely communication of decisions on all applications to avoid depriving applicants of their right to pursue legal remedies.
This ruling underscores the strict interpretation of the compensation scheme outlined in the 2018 Circular and stresses the need for administrative diligence in communicating decisions to applicants.
Bottom line:-
Compensation claims for electrocution deaths outside the scope of the Circular governing electrical accidents cannot be granted. Authorities must ensure prompt communication of decisions on compensation applications to the applicants.
Statutory provision(s):
Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Circular dated 10.09.2018
Shrawan Kewat v. State of Chhattisgarh, (Chhattisgarh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2944597
