Following media report of two school students death due to electrocution in Srinagar in October 2004, the Commission asked the State Government of Jammu & Kashmir to send its report on the matter. The State Government apprised the Commission that to provide immediate relief/compensation to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured, an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 6.00 lakh has been sanctioned - Rs. 1.00 lakh each to the next of kin of the three killed in the incident and Rs. 50,000/- each to those critically injured/hospitalized.
By bringing the principle of strict liability to the notice of the authorities, the Commission has ensured that reasonable compensation by way of interim relief is given to the unfortunate victims of electrocution irrespective of the fact whether or not there is any negligence on the part of the Transmission Companies.
In the case mentioned above, J&K Government reported that the next of kin of the deceased and also the seriously injured victims have been paid ex-gratia compensation. The State also appointed an Inquiry Committee to look into the circumstances leading to the snapping of transmission line with a view to identify failure/shortcomings and to take steps to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents in future.
The Commission considered the report of the State Government and held that no further action is called for by it.