The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, resolving an unprecedented number of grievances in a short span. Over the past three years, the commission has successfully disposed of a staggering 12,608 complaints, providing justice and closure to numerous petitioners.
Record Disposal Rate Under Member V Kannadasan
The driving force behind this achievement is Commission Member V Kannadasan. Appointed on December 29, 2022, he has overseen the resolution of the vast majority of cases received during his tenure. The data reveals the scale of his work: by November 2025, he received a total of 12,749 cases. Of these, a significant 10,598 cases were closed at the outset (in limine), while 1,642 were dismissed after a detailed enquiry. A further 300 cases were dismissed after trial.
Compensation Awarded and Landmark Ruling Against TANGEDCO
Beyond mere disposal, the commission ensured substantive justice in many instances. In 60 specific cases, Member Kannadasan passed recommendations to the state government to provide financial compensation to the victims. The compensation amounts varied significantly, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹10 lakh per case, based on the severity of the rights violation.
One particularly notable ruling came in December 2025. Acting on a suo motu complaint initiated from a 2016 Times of India news report, the commission addressed a tragic incident involving the electrocution of a husband and his pregnant wife. After a thorough review, Member Kannadasan held the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) directly responsible for negligence. He directed the state government to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to the victims' family.
Proactive Measures for Future Safety
Recognizing the need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies, the commission's order went beyond compensation. Member Kannadasan issued crucial directives to the state government. He instructed officials to command TANGEDCO to conduct regular and rigorous inspections of all overhead power lines, especially those situated near residential buildings and trees. The order emphasized the implementation of preventive measures to avoid any recurrence of similar fatal accidents in the future, aiming to safeguard public life.
The three-year tenure of Member V Kannadasan at the Tamil Nadu SHRC has been marked by exceptional productivity and a firm commitment to upholding human rights. The record disposal of cases, coupled with meaningful recommendations for compensation and systemic reform, underscores the commission's vital role in delivering justice and enforcing accountability within the state.
