Kerala Human Rights Commission Directs KSEB to Expedite Compensation in Fatal Electrocution Case
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued a significant directive to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), ordering the immediate acceleration of compensation payment to the legal heirs of Leelamani, a resident of Attingal who tragically lost her life due to electrocution in July 2025. This directive comes as part of a suo motu case registered by the commission based on newspaper reports highlighting the incident.
Details of the Tragic Incident and KSEB's Admission of Lapses
According to official statements from the commission, Leelamani suffered a fatal electric shock from a damaged service wire connected to her home. The wire had been poorly repaired using only insulation tape, and when a plantain tree fell on it, the joint broke, exposing live wires. Leelamani was electrocuted upon touching the exposed part, leading to her untimely death.
In a written submission to the SHRC, the KSEB chief safety commissioner explicitly admitted the board's lapses in this matter. The report confirmed that KSEB was liable for the accident due to the unsafe condition of the service wire, which violated central electricity authority regulations. This admission underscores the negligence that contributed to this preventable tragedy.
Compensation Hurdles and SHRC's Intervention
The chief safety commissioner reported that a compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh had been earmarked for Leelamani's dependants but could not be released because the necessary heirship certificate had not been submitted. Leelamani's two adopted children are currently awaiting the issuance of this certificate from the concerned tahsildar, creating a bureaucratic delay in providing financial relief to the grieving family.
In response, SHRC chairman Justice Alexander Thomas has ordered KSEB to submit a detailed report within six weeks on the actions taken to resolve this issue. The commission emphasized the urgency of disbursing the compensation to support the heirs, who are facing emotional and financial distress following the loss.
Additional Measures for Heir's Welfare
Beyond the compensation directive, the SHRC has also instructed the district administration to take proactive measures to appoint a guardian for Leelamani's heir, who faces mental challenges. This appointment is to be carried out in accordance with the National Trust Act of 1999, ensuring proper care and support for the vulnerable individual.
A panel chaired by the district collector is tasked with implementing this measure, highlighting the commission's comprehensive approach to addressing both immediate financial needs and long-term welfare concerns arising from the incident.
The SHRC's directives aim to hold KSEB accountable for its safety failures while ensuring that the victims' family receives due justice and support. This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to electrical safety standards to prevent such accidents in the future.
