Chandigarh: Take steps to prevent deaths by electrocution or face action, says High court

The Chandigarh High Court on Tuesday issued a stern warning to the chief engineer and the superintending engineer, urging immediate measures to curb deaths caused by electrocution or face stringent action. The directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by Nayagaon councillor Bhupinder Singh, who highlighted the rising concern over electrical safety in the union territory.

Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor presided over the bench, which examined the petition and expressed alarm over the lack of preventive steps despite repeated incidents. The judges stressed that the responsibility to safeguard public safety rests with the electricity department, and failure to act could attract legal consequences.

Singh’s petition argued that several families have suffered fatal electrocution incidents in recent months, often linked to faulty wiring, inadequate earthing, and insufficient awareness about electrical hazards. While the petition did not present detailed statistics, it called for a comprehensive review of the infrastructure and the implementation of preventive protocols.

The High Court bench noted that the electricity department holds a pivotal role in monitoring and maintaining the safety of power lines, transformers and distribution networks. “The chief engineer and the superintending engineer must take concrete steps to prevent electrocution deaths,” the judges said, stopping short of specifying the exact measures but indicating that inaction would not be tolerated.

Local residents and civic groups have long voiced concerns about the safety of overhead electric cables and the handling of high‑voltage equipment in densely populated areas. The court’s warning underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns through systematic upgrades and stricter enforcement of safety norms.

In a statement released after the hearing, the electricity department acknowledged the court’s observations and indicated that it would examine the petition’s findings. Officials said that a review of existing safety practices is underway, and that steps will be taken to strengthen compliance with safety standards across the region.

The bench also reminded the engineers of their statutory duties under the relevant statutes governing electrical safety in union territories. It emphasized that the court’s patience is limited and that any delay in implementing preventive measures could result in punitive action.

While the petition focused on the immediate safety concerns, it also touched upon the broader need for public education about electrical safety. The judges suggested that awareness campaigns, combined with technical upgrades, could significantly reduce the risk of electrocution incidents.

The High Court’s directive is expected to prompt a coordinated response from the electricity department, municipal authorities, and possibly the state government, as they work to address the underlying causes of electrocution fatalities. The next steps will likely involve site inspections, review of maintenance protocols, and the formulation of a robust action plan.

Legal experts say that the court’s warning reflects a growing trend of judicial activism in matters of public safety, particularly where statutory obligations are not being met. They note that such directives can serve as a catalyst for systemic change, provided the concerned agencies act promptly.

Residents of Chandigarh, many of whom have been directly affected by electrocution incidents, welcomed the court’s attention to the issue. While no specific timeline for implementation was given, the bench’s emphasis on accountability signals a serious commitment to preventing further tragedies.

As the electricity department prepares its response, the onus remains on the chief engineer and the superintending engineer to demonstrate decisive action. The High Court’s warning serves as both a caution and a call to protect lives through proactive safety measures.

The matter will be listed for further hearing, allowing the court to assess the progress made by the engineers and to ensure that concrete steps are taken without undue delay.

Source: Hindustan Times