In a significant verdict, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has held the Border Security Force (BSF) solely liable for paying compensation to the family of a man who died due to electrocution near the India-Pakistan border fencing in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.
Court's Landmark Ruling on Border Security Responsibility
The judgment was delivered by Justice Sandeep Moudgil while hearing a petition filed by the victim's widow, Sarabjit Kaur. The court directed the BSF to pay the compensation amount determined by the district consumer disputes redressal commission within three months. This ruling establishes clear accountability for safety measures along border areas.
The tragic incident occurred on June 11, 2018, when the victim, identified as Balwinder Singh, came into contact with a live electric wire while crossing a gate near the border fencing in Dhariwal village. The electric current was allegedly passing through the gate due to negligence in maintaining proper safety standards.
Legal Battle and Consumer Commission's Role
The legal journey began when Sarabjit Kaur approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Gurdaspur seeking justice for her husband's untimely death. The commission had earlier ruled in her favor, directing compensation to be paid for the negligence that led to Balwinder Singh's electrocution.
However, the BSF challenged this decision in the High Court, arguing against their liability. The security force contended that they shouldn't be held responsible for the accident. The High Court thoroughly examined all aspects of the case, including the circumstances of the death and the safety protocols maintained by the BSF in the border area.
Justice Moudgil's court upheld the consumer forum's decision, emphasizing that the BSF, as the authority managing the border infrastructure, bears complete responsibility for ensuring public safety in these sensitive areas. The court found that proper safety measures could have prevented the fatal accident.
Broader Implications for Border Security Management
This judgment sets an important precedent for accountability in border management zones. The court's decision reinforces that security forces operating in border areas must maintain the highest safety standards to protect both civilians and personnel.
The ruling comes at a time when border infrastructure along the India-Pakistan border has been significantly strengthened. The court's emphasis on safety protocols serves as a crucial reminder that security measures should not compromise civilian safety.
The three-month deadline for compensation payment ensures that the victim's family receives justice without unnecessary delays. This case highlights the importance of proper maintenance of electrical installations in sensitive border areas and establishes legal responsibility for any lapses in safety standards.
Legal experts believe this verdict will have far-reaching consequences for how security forces manage border infrastructure and handle civilian safety concerns in high-security zones across the country.
