Delhi High Court Orders BSES to Pay Compensation for Electrocution Death

The Delhi High Court has directed BSES to pay Rs 10 lakh as ex gratia compensation to the wife of a police official who died of electrocution in 2017. Despite insufficient evidence of BSES's direct negligence, the court deemed it appropriate to alleviate the petitioner's suffering and has given her the liberty to pursue further legal remedies.

In a recent directive, the Delhi High Court has ordered BSES to pay Rs 10 lakh as ex gratia compensation to the widow of a police official who tragically died by electrocution in 2017.

The Court acknowledged the lack of conclusive evidence attributing direct negligence to BSES but emphasized the need to alleviate the petitioner's suffering in light of the tragic loss. The judge highlighted that negligence appeared to stem from an outgoing wire at a shop, rather than a direct lapse on BSES's part.

While granting the compensation, the Court noted the family's existing pensionary benefits and underscored the state's duty to protect human life, categorically stating that failure in this regard is a fundamental rights violation under Article 21 of the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)