The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued a landmark directive, ordering the state government to provide a compensation of ₹10 lakh to the legal heirs of a young couple who tragically died due to electrocution in 2016. The commission held the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) responsible for negligence leading to the fatal incident in Jalladiampaet.
A Tragic Incident and a Suo Motu Case
The commission, taking suo motu cognizance based on a news report published in The Times of India on June 27, 2016, investigated the heartbreaking case. Member V Kannadasan passed the decisive order on Wednesday, bringing a measure of justice to the bereaved family after years of struggle.
The tragedy unfolded on June 26, 2016, in Jalladiampaet. Subathra, a 25-year-old pregnant woman, was plucking flowers from her terrace using an iron rod. In a horrific moment, the rod came into contact with an overhead 11kV live electric line, electrocuting her instantly. Hearing her screams, her 31-year-old husband, Soundararajan, rushed to her rescue, only to suffer the same fatal electric shock. Both died on the spot. Soundararajan's father, who also attempted to help, sustained injuries and had to be hospitalized.
Tangedco's Defense Rejected by SHRC
During the proceedings, Tangedco attempted to deflect blame, terming the accident a "non-departmental incident." The utility claimed that adequate horizontal clearance existed between the building and the overhead power line. However, the State Human Rights Commission firmly rejected this argument.
The commission observed that Tangedco failed to produce any concrete evidence to prove that mandatory safety clearances were being maintained. It emphasized that the tragedy could have been averted through proper maintenance, vigilance, and periodic monitoring of the overhead power lines by the department. The ruling underscores the fundamental duty of public utilities to ensure public safety.
Compensation and Timelines
In its final order, the SHRC has directed the state government to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to the legal heirs of the deceased couple. It has tasked the Chengalpet District Collector with the crucial responsibility of identifying the rightful legal heirs and ensuring the compensation amount is disbursed to them without delay.
The commission has set a strict deadline of four weeks for the entire process, from identification to final payment. This directive aims to provide not just financial relief but also a sense of closure and accountability for the family that lost two young lives, including an unborn child, due to institutional failure.
