PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 21st March, 2016

Setting an example for the erring electricity departments in the country, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC ensured that in a case of electrocution due to the carelessness of UP Power Corporation Limited, 33 lakh 40 thousand rupees were paid by the Uttar Pradesh Government as monetary relief to the victims and their families. This included, 28 lakh rupees to the next of kin of 14 deceased and five lakh 40 thousand rupees to those, who suffered injuries.

The incident happened when a bus, carrying them, came in contact with an unguarded low lying high tension line while parking at the Amauli road Bus Stand in Jahanabad area of District Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh on the 23rd October, 2012.

In the beginning, in response to the notices of the Commission, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, through the Dy. General Manager, UP Power Corporation Limited, had maintained that the line was drawn in accordance with the prescribed standards. Not satisfied with this response, the Commission called for an enquiry by the Chief Electrical Inspector in this regard.

Subsequently, the Director of Electrical Security, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in his an enquiry report, revealed that the height of the overhead transmission line was less than the standard height prescribed under the rules, i.e., 5.8 meters. Thus, there was contravention of Rule 77 (2) of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956. It was also found that the overhead transmission line was not properly guarded as is required by Rule 29 (1) of the Indian Electricity Rules.

The Inquiry Officer held the area Junior Engineer responsible for the incident and concluded that fourteen persons had died and 27 sustained injuries who were entitled to compensation. It was also reported that an amount of rupees one lakh each was being paid to the next of kin of the deceased and rupees 20 thousand each to the injured.

The Commission observed that rupees one lakh was grossly inadequate for the loss of human life and issued a show cause notice to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, through its Chief Secretary, on the 29th December, 2014, why an additional amount of relief to the next of kin of the 14 deceased should not be paid.

However, having received no response to this show cause notice and even a reminder to it during the interim period, the Commission, on the 9th September, 2015, issued a summon to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Uttar Pradesh to appear before it on the 18th January, 2016 and submit the compliance report along with the proof of payment explaining the delay with the condition if the requisite reports were received on or before the 11th January, 2016, his personal appearance shall stand dispensed with.

Pursuant to this, the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, vide his communication dated 6th January, 2016 submitted the requisite reports along with the proof of payment.

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