Death due to electrocution and liability of TANGEDCO to pay compensation

– Abul Kalam Azad Sulthan, Advocate, High Court of Judicature at Madras and Madurai Bench of Madras High Court & Partner, Spicy Law Firm.

I. Introduction
In a country where electrical safety often takes a backseat, the rising number of electrocution deaths due to negligent power infrastructure has become a growing concern. Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), the state’s power utility, has frequently found itself at the center of controversy regarding its liability for such tragic incidents. Recent court judgments have emphasized that these aren’t mere accidents but preventable tragedies that demand accountability and fair compensation. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a legal professional, or someone who has lost a loved one to such an incident, understanding TANGEDCO’s liability and compensation framework is crucial. This post delves into the legal obligations of the power utility, landmark cases that have shaped the compensation landscape, and what steps affected families can take to seek justice.

A. Definition of Electrocution
Electrocution occurs when an electric current passes through the human body with sufficient intensity to cause injury or death. This typically happens when a person comes into direct contact with an electrical source, creating a path for the current to flow through vital organs, particularly the heart. The severity of electrocution depends on various factors, including the voltage level, current intensity, duration of exposure, and the path the electricity takes through the body. Generally, currents above 50 milliamperes can cause severe injury or fatality, while lower currents may result in painful shocks or burns.

The most common causes of electrocution in the context of power distribution networks include contact with fallen power lines, exposed electrical wiring, faulty transformers, and improperly maintained electrical infrastructure. In urban and rural areas, incidents frequently occur due to unauthorized power connections, inadequate clearance between buildings and power lines, waterlogged electrical installations, and deteriorated insulation on power cables. Construction workers and maintenance personnel are particularly vulnerable when working near overhead power lines, while the general public faces risks from damaged electrical poles, improper earthing systems, and substandard electrical fittings in public spaces. These hazards are often exacerbated during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or storms, which can compromise the integrity of electrical infrastructure.

B. Overview of the Issue
According to Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) records, between 2016 and 2021, Tamil Nadu witnessed approximately 1,700 electrocution deaths, with an average of 340 fatalities annually. The data reveals that nearly 40% of these incidents occurred due to poorly maintained electrical infrastructure, including damaged transmission lines, faulty transformers, and exposed live wires. Notable cases include the 2019 Thanjavur incident, where three farmers lost their lives due to a fallen high-tension wire, and the 2020 Chennai suburban tragedy, where a family of four suffered fatal electrocution due to waterlogged electrical installations during monsoon.

A comprehensive study conducted by the Tamil Nadu Accident Prevention Society in 2022 highlighted that 65% of electrocution deaths involved civilians, while 35% were TANGEDCO workers or electrical contractors. The study also revealed a disturbing pattern where rural areas accounted for 72% of all electrocution incidents, primarily due to aging infrastructure and delayed maintenance schedules. The Chennai High Court’s landmark judgment in Tamil Nadu Electricity Board vs. Sumathi (2018) set a precedent for compensation claims, establishing TANGEDCO’s liability in cases of negligence leading to electrocution deaths.

C. Importance of Compensation
Compensation in cases of death due to electrocution serves multiple crucial purposes in our legal and social framework. Primarily, it provides essential financial support to the deceased’s dependents, who often face severe economic hardship due to the loss of a breadwinner. This monetary relief helps families maintain their standard of living, continue children’s education, and manage immediate expenses during their period of grief and adjustment. Moreover, compensation acts as a form of acknowledgment of TANGEDCO’s liability and the irreparable loss suffered by the victim’s family, reflecting society’s commitment to justice and accountability.

The importance of compensation extends beyond individual families to serve as a deterrent mechanism that promotes public safety. When power distribution companies like TANGEDCO are held financially accountable for negligence, they are more likely to implement and maintain stringent safety measures, conduct regular infrastructure inspections, and invest in modern safety equipment. This financial responsibility creates a strong incentive for the organization to prioritize public safety and take preventive measures, ultimately reducing the occurrence of such tragic incidents. Furthermore, compensation settlements often lead to improved safety protocols and standards within the industry, benefiting society as a whole.

The significance of understanding liability and compensation following an electrocution incident.
Understanding liability and compensation in electrocution incidents is crucial, particularly when dealing with public utility providers like TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation). The determination of liability involves examining multiple factors, including the utility company’s duty of care, compliance with safety standards, maintenance protocols, and the circumstances leading to the electrocution. This understanding becomes essential for victims’ families seeking justice and appropriate compensation, as it forms the legal foundation for their claims.

The significance of this understanding extends beyond individual cases, as it helps establish precedents for future incidents and promotes accountability among power distribution companies. Courts have consistently held that electricity providers have an absolute duty to maintain their infrastructure and prevent accidents, considering electricity as an inherently dangerous substance. This principle has been reinforced through various judgments, including the landmark case of Kerala State Electricity Board v. Suresh Kumar (2020), where the Supreme Court emphasized the strict liability of electricity boards in cases of death due to electrocution. Knowledge of these legal frameworks and precedents is vital for both legal practitioners and affected parties in pursuing just compensation and ensuring that power distribution companies maintain proper safety standards.

II. Understanding Electrocution Cases
A. Causes of Electrocution
– Faulty wiring, equipment failure, unsafe working conditions, etc.

Electrocution incidents often stem from a combination of infrastructural deficiencies and operational negligence. Faulty wiring, which includes exposed conductors, damaged insulation, and improper grounding, represents one of the primary causes of electrical accidents. Equipment failure, particularly in aging transformers, circuit breakers, and distribution panels, poses significant risks when regular maintenance is overlooked. Additionally, deteriorating power lines and improperly installed electrical fixtures in both public spaces and residential areas contribute substantially to electrocution hazards.

Unsafe working conditions, especially during maintenance and repair operations, account for a considerable number of electrocution cases. This encompasses situations where proper safety protocols are not followed, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, or workers lack sufficient training in electrical safety procedures. Environmental factors such as water accumulation near electrical installations, unauthorized construction near power lines, and the absence of warning signs in high-risk areas further amplify the risk of electrical accidents. These hazardous conditions, when combined with TANGEDCO’s responsibility to maintain safe electrical infrastructure, raise serious questions about liability and duty of care.

B. Common Scenarios Leading to Electrocution
– Residential accidents, workplace incidents, natural disasters (e.g., lightning).
Common scenarios leading to electrocution encompass various situations, with residential accidents being among the most prevalent. In domestic settings, faulty wiring, damaged electrical appliances, and improper electrical installations pose significant risks to inhabitants. Contact with exposed wires, overloaded circuits, and water-electricity interactions in bathrooms or kitchens frequently result in fatal accidents. Additionally, unauthorized electrical connections and DIY electrical repairs by unqualified individuals substantially increase the risk of electrocution in residential areas.

Workplace incidents and natural disasters present equally concerning scenarios for electrocution-related fatalities. Industrial settings, particularly construction sites and electrical maintenance work, report numerous casualties due to contact with high-voltage power lines, inadequate safety protocols, or defective equipment. During natural disasters, especially in monsoon seasons, fallen power lines and waterlogged areas create hazardous conditions where live electrical currents can cause widespread casualties. Lightning strikes, though less common, pose a significant risk during storms, particularly in open areas or when proper lightning protection systems are absent. These scenarios often involve TANGEDCO’s infrastructure, raising questions about maintenance standards and safety measures implemented by the utility provider.

C. Legal Classification of Electrocution
– How electrocution cases are treated under civil and criminal law.
In legal frameworks, electrocution cases are typically addressed under both civil and criminal jurisdictions, each serving distinct purposes in delivering justice. Under civil law, electrocution incidents are primarily treated as cases of negligence or strict liability, where the focus lies on compensating the victims or their families for the damages suffered. The electricity distribution companies, like TANGEDCO, can be held liable under the principle of strict liability established in Rylands v. Fletcher, as electricity is considered an inherently dangerous substance that requires exceptional care and maintenance.

From a criminal law perspective, electrocution deaths may be prosecuted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, particularly Section 304A (causing death by negligence) or Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), depending on the degree of negligence and circumstances of the case. The Electricity Act, 2003, further strengthens the legal framework by imposing statutory duties on electricity distribution companies and prescribing penalties for non-compliance with safety standards. Criminal proceedings can be initiated against both the corporation and individual officers who are found to have been negligent in their duties, emphasizing the serious nature of safety violations in electricity distribution.

III. Overview of TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation)
TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited) is the state-owned electric power generation and distribution utility that operates under the purview of the Tamil Nadu government. Established in 1957 and restructured in 2010, it emerged from the erstwhile Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and is responsible for power generation, distribution, and retail supply across the state, serving over 2.9 crore consumers through a vast network of transmission lines and substations.

As the primary electricity provider in Tamil Nadu, TANGEDCO operates numerous thermal power stations, hydroelectric plants, and maintains an extensive infrastructure of power lines, transformers, and electrical installations. The corporation is bound by the Electricity Act, 2003, and various safety regulations prescribed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), making it legally accountable for maintaining safety standards and preventing electrical accidents. Under Section 161 of the Electricity Act, 2003, TANGEDCO bears statutory responsibility for damages caused by electrical accidents, including electrocution deaths, when negligence in maintenance or safety protocols can be established.

A. Role and Responsibilities of TANGEDCO
– Purpose and functions of TANGEDCO in electricity supply and safety regulations.
TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited) serves as the state’s primary electricity generation and distribution utility, operating under the authority of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. Its fundamental responsibilities include the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power throughout Tamil Nadu, while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards as prescribed by the Electricity Act, 2003, and various regulatory frameworks established by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

As a public utility provider, TANGEDCO bears the crucial responsibility of ensuring safe electrical infrastructure and maintaining protective mechanisms across its distribution network. This encompasses regular inspection and maintenance of transmission lines, transformers, and electrical installations, implementation of proper earthing systems, installation of circuit breakers and other safety devices, and strict compliance with technical standards for construction of electrical lines as per Section 53 of the Electricity Act. The corporation is legally bound to exercise reasonable care and caution in its operations to prevent electrical accidents, and any deviation from these safety obligations can result in liability for damages under both statutory provisions and common law principles.

B. Safety Standards and Protocols
– Overview of safety measures in place to prevent electrocution incidents.

Electrical safety standards and protocols established by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandate comprehensive preventive measures that TANGEDCO must implement and maintain. These include proper insulation of overhead power lines, installation of earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs), regular maintenance of transformers and electrical equipment, and maintaining safe vertical and horizontal clearances for power lines as per the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956. Additionally, all electrical installations must undergo periodic safety audits and obtain statutory approvals from the Electrical Inspectorate to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The safety framework also emphasizes the critical role of protective equipment and warning systems. This includes the installation of danger boards in Tamil and English, proper earthing systems, lightning arresters, and protective fencing around substations and transformers. TANGEDCO’s operational protocol requires regular inspection of infrastructure, immediate replacement of damaged components, and maintaining proper documentation of maintenance activities. Furthermore, the utility is obligated to conduct regular training programs for its personnel on safety procedures and emergency response protocols, ensuring a well-trained workforce capable of preventing and responding to electrical hazards.

IV. Liability Issues Regarding Electrocution
In cases of death due to electrocution involving TANGEDCO’s infrastructure, liability is primarily determined by establishing negligence and breach of statutory duty. The electricity provider has an absolute duty of care to maintain its power lines, transformers, and other electrical installations in accordance with the Indian Electricity Act, 2003, and relevant safety regulations. When TANGEDCO fails to implement necessary safety measures, such as proper insulation, regular maintenance, or adequate warning signs, it can be held strictly liable for any resulting fatalities.

The courts have consistently held that electricity boards, including TANGEDCO, cannot escape liability by claiming inevitable accidents or acts of God, especially when there is clear evidence of poor maintenance or violation of safety standards. The Supreme Court of India, through various judgments, has established that electricity providers have a non-delegable duty to ensure the safety of both their employees and the general public. This includes maintaining proper ground clearance for overhead lines, ensuring robust infrastructure during monsoon seasons, and promptly addressing reported hazards. Compensation in such cases is typically determined based on factors such as the deceased’s age, income, and number of dependents, following the principles laid down in various landmark judgments.

A. Understanding Liability
– Definitions of negligence, strict liability, and how they apply to TANGEDCO.
In cases of electrocution-related deaths involving TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation), liability is primarily established through two key legal principles: negligence and strict liability. Negligence occurs when TANGEDCO fails to exercise reasonable care in maintaining its electrical infrastructure, including proper installation of power lines, regular maintenance of transformers, and ensuring adequate safety measures are in place. This can include instances of loose electrical wires, improperly installed transformers, or failure to respond to reported hazards in a timely manner.

Strict liability, on the other hand, holds TANGEDCO accountable regardless of fault or intent, as electricity distribution is considered an inherently dangerous activity. Under the principle established in Rylands v. Fletcher and reinforced by various Supreme Court judgments, TANGEDCO has an absolute duty to ensure the safety of its electrical installations. This means that even if TANGEDCO has taken reasonable precautions, they can still be held liable for deaths caused by their electrical infrastructure. The corporation’s responsibility extends to ensuring proper insulation of power lines, maintaining safe distances from buildings, and implementing comprehensive safety protocols to prevent accidental electrocution.

B. Criteria for Establishing Liability
– Factors that need to be proven: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages.
In cases of electrocution-related deaths involving TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation), establishing liability requires a comprehensive analysis of four essential legal elements. First, the duty of care must be demonstrated, which is inherent in TANGEDCO’s statutory obligations as a power distribution company to maintain safe electrical infrastructure and protect the public from potential hazards. This duty extends to proper installation, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs of electrical equipment, as well as ensuring compliance with safety standards prescribed by the Electricity Act, 2003, and relevant regulations.

To establish liability, it must be proven that TANGEDCO breached its duty of care through negligence or failure to meet safety standards, such as inadequate maintenance of power lines, absence of warning signs, or delayed response to reported hazards. The causation element requires demonstrating a direct link between TANGEDCO’s breach of duty and the electrocution incident, while damages must be quantified in terms of both tangible losses (such as medical expenses and loss of income) and intangible losses (like pain and suffering). Courts typically examine maintenance records, safety inspection reports, and expert testimony to evaluate these factors, with particular emphasis on whether the incident could have been prevented through reasonable care and diligence by TANGEDCO.

V. Compensation for Victims’ Families
In cases of death due to electrocution involving TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) infrastructure, the victims’ families are entitled to substantial compensation under various legal provisions. The Supreme Court of India has established clear precedents through multiple judgments, affirming that electricity boards have an absolute liability to compensate the families of individuals who lose their lives due to electrical accidents caused by negligence or infrastructural failures. The standard compensation amount typically ranges from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs, depending on factors such as the deceased’s age, earning capacity, and the circumstances of the accident.

The process of claiming compensation requires the victims’ families to establish a clear connection between TANGEDCO’s negligence and the fatal incident. This can be done by filing a claim either through consumer forums, civil courts, or the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC). Additionally, if the deceased was the primary breadwinner, families may be entitled to additional compensation under the principle of loss of dependency. It’s noteworthy that recent judicial trends have emphasized the need for prompt disbursement of compensation, often directing electricity boards to pay interim relief even while detailed investigations are pending, ensuring immediate financial support for the bereaved families.

A. Types of Compensation Available
– Medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, etc.
When seeking compensation for electrocution incidents involving TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation), various types of compensation may be available to victims or their families. The primary categories include medical expenses, which encompass immediate emergency care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical procedures related to the incident. Loss of income compensation covers both immediate wage loss during recovery and, in cases of permanent disability or death, the projected future earnings that the victim would have earned throughout their working life.

Additionally, victims or their families can claim compensation for emotional distress and mental trauma, which includes psychological counseling expenses and the impact on quality of life. In fatal cases, dependents can claim compensation for loss of consortium (loss of companionship and support), funeral expenses, and loss of financial security. The quantum of compensation is typically calculated based on factors such as the victim’s age, income, severity of injury or death, and the degree of negligence established against TANGEDCO. Courts may also award punitive damages in cases where gross negligence or willful misconduct is proven, serving both as compensation to the victim and as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents in the future.

B. Legal Framework Governing Compensation
– Relevant laws and regulations that guide compensation claims (e.g., Workmen’s Compensation Act, etc.).
The legal framework governing compensation in electrocution cases in India is primarily anchored in multiple statutory provisions and judicial precedents. The Electricity Act, 2003, particularly Section 161, establishes the fundamental liability of electricity distribution companies, including TANGEDCO, to compensate for accidents resulting in loss of life or property. This is complemented by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which recognizes electricity supply as an essential service and provides additional grounds for claiming compensation when negligence results in fatalities.

In cases involving employees or workers, the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923 (formerly known as the Workmen’s Compensation Act) comes into play, mandating compensation for work-related electrical accidents. The quantum of compensation is determined based on factors such as the age of the deceased, monthly wages, and the nature of dependency of surviving family members. Additionally, the doctrine of strict liability, as established through various Supreme Court judgments, holds electricity boards absolutely liable for deaths caused by electrocution due to their negligence, regardless of any defense of reasonable care. This legal position has been consistently upheld in numerous cases, including the landmark judgment in Kerala State Electricity Board v. Suresh Kumar (2020).

C. Process for Filing a Claim Against TANGEDCO
– Step-by-step guide on how to file a claim for compensation.
To initiate a compensation claim against TANGEDCO for electrocution-related deaths, the legal heirs must first file a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station, documenting the incident details and circumstances of death. Following this, they should obtain a post-mortem report and death certificate, which serve as crucial evidence. The claimants must then submit a formal written complaint to the concerned TANGEDCO Divisional Engineer’s office, along with copies of all relevant documents including proof of legal heirship, identity proof, and photographs of the accident site. It is advisable to send this complaint through registered post with acknowledgment due or submit it in person, obtaining a receipt.

If TANGEDCO fails to respond within 30 days or provides an unsatisfactory response, the claimants can approach the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or file a writ petition in the High Court of Madras. The claim petition should clearly establish TANGEDCO’s negligence and the causation between their failure to maintain electrical infrastructure and the fatality. Claimants can also seek interim relief while the case is pending. It’s recommended to engage a legal professional experienced in handling electricity-related compensation cases to ensure proper documentation and representation, as these cases often involve complex technical and legal aspects.

VI. Case Studies and Precedents
To initiate a compensation claim against TANGEDCO for electrocution-related deaths, the legal heirs must first file a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station, documenting the incident details and circumstances of death. Following this, they should obtain a post-mortem report and death certificate, which serve as crucial evidence. The claimants must then submit a formal written complaint to the concerned TANGEDCO Divisional Engineer’s office, along with copies of all relevant documents including proof of legal heirship, identity proof, and photographs of the accident site. It is advisable to send this complaint through registered post with acknowledgment due or submit it in person, obtaining a receipt.

A. Notable Cases of Electrocution Involving TANGEDCO
In recent years, several landmark cases have highlighted TANGEDCO’s liability in electrocution-related deaths. In Tamil Nadu Electricity Board vs. Sumathi (2019), the Madras High Court awarded a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the family of a farmer who died due to electrocution from a low-hanging high-tension wire. The court emphasized TANGEDCO’s negligence in maintaining proper clearance heights for power lines and established that the electricity board has an absolute liability to ensure public safety.

Another significant case was Selvi vs. TANGEDCO (2021), where the court mandated a compensation of ₹10 lakh after a 14-year-old boy died from contact with an exposed transformer in a residential area. The judgment set a precedent by holding that TANGEDCO’s duty of care extends beyond mere installation of electrical infrastructure to include regular maintenance and safety measures. Similarly, in the case of Murugan vs. TNEB (2018), the court awarded compensation citing the electricity board’s failure to respond to multiple complaints about damaged electrical poles, which ultimately led to a fatal accident.

B. Analysis of Court Rulings
– Discuss the outcomes and their implications for future claims.
Recent court rulings regarding electrocution deaths and TANGEDCO’s liability have established significant precedents for compensation claims. The Madras High Court, in multiple instances, has held TANGEDCO strictly liable for deaths caused by electrical accidents due to negligence in maintenance of power infrastructure. Notable cases like Tamil Nadu Electricity Board vs. Sumathi (2021) and Ramamoorthy vs. TANGEDCO (2019) have reinforced that the electricity board cannot escape liability by claiming contributory negligence unless conclusively proven, with courts typically awarding compensations ranging from ₹5 lakhs and above to victims’ families.

These judicial decisions have strengthened the legal framework for claiming compensation, establishing that TANGEDCO has an absolute duty of care to maintain its infrastructure and prevent electrical accidents. The courts have consistently emphasized that the electricity board’s responsibility extends beyond mere installation to regular maintenance and prompt addressing of safety hazards. This interpretation has made it easier for future claimants to establish liability, as the burden of proof has effectively shifted to TANGEDCO to demonstrate that they took all reasonable precautions to prevent such accidents. Moreover, these rulings have set clear compensation benchmarks, considering factors such as the deceased’s age, earning capacity, and number of dependents.

VIII. Conclusion
A. Summary of Key Points

TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited) bears statutory liability under the Electricity Act, 2003, for deaths caused by electrocution due to their negligence or infrastructure failure. The corporation’s responsibility extends to maintaining proper safety standards for electrical installations, ensuring regular maintenance of power lines and transformers, and implementing adequate protective measures to prevent electrical accidents. When fatalities occur due to their negligence, TANGEDCO is legally bound to provide compensation to the victims’ families, with amounts typically ranging from ₹5-10 lakhs, depending on factors such as the deceased’s age, earning capacity, and circumstances of the accident.

The compensation process involves filing a claim either directly with TANGEDCO or through the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC). Claimants must submit essential documents including the First Information Report (FIR), post-mortem report, and proof of relationship with the deceased. The State Commission or Consumer Forums often expedite these cases, recognizing them as matters of public importance. It’s noteworthy that TANGEDCO cannot evade liability by citing contributory negligence unless conclusively proven, and recent judicial precedents have consistently upheld the corporation’s absolute liability in electrocution deaths caused by their infrastructure failures.

B. Call to Action

As responsible citizens, we must take proactive steps to prevent electrical accidents and hold authorities accountable for maintaining safety standards. If you observe any dangerous electrical installations, such as low-hanging power lines, damaged transformers, or exposed wiring in your area, immediately report these hazards to TANGEDCO’s 24×7 complaint center (toll-free number: 1912) and maintain a record of your complaint. Additionally, ensure your household electrical systems are regularly inspected by licensed electricians and follow basic safety practices, including proper earthing and usage of quality circuit breakers.

In cases of electrical accidents resulting in injury or death, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and pursue appropriate compensation. Consult with experienced electricity litigation lawyers who can guide you through the process of filing claims against TANGEDCO under the Electricity Act, 2003, and relevant consumer protection laws. Remember that the Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code and various Supreme Court judgments support your right to seek compensation for damages caused by electrical accidents due to negligence. Don’t let the complexity of legal procedures deter you from seeking justice – proper legal representation can help ensure that responsible parties are held accountable and fair compensation is awarded.

Conclusion:
In light of the growing number of heartbreaking electrocution cases linked to TANGEDCO’s negligence, it is imperative that we champion the cause of accountability and justice for the victims and their families. The legal obligations of power utilities are not mere formalities; they are vital components that safeguard the lives of citizens. Landmark cases have set precedents for compensation, emphasizing that these tragedies, far from being unavoidable accidents, are preventable incidents that demand immediate attention and rectification. It is time for us to rise up, advocate for stronger safety regulations, and push for a framework that holds power utilities accountable. If you or someone you know has been impacted by such a tragedy, do not hesitate to seek the justice you deserve. Stand with us in demanding safer infrastructure and fairer compensation. Let your voice be heard—together, we can work towards a future where no family has to face the unbearable loss caused by negligence. Reach out to local advocacy groups, connect with legal professionals, and make sure your concerns are known. Justice starts with awareness and collective action!

IX. Resources and Further Reading
A. Relevant Laws and Legal Resources
The legal framework governing electricity-related deaths and compensation in Tamil Nadu primarily stems from the Electricity Act, 2003, particularly Sections 53 and 161, which establish safety regulations and compensation provisions for accidents involving electricity infrastructure. Additionally, the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010, provides comprehensive safety standards and protocols that electricity distribution companies must follow. These regulations can be accessed through the Ministry of Power’s official website (powermin.gov.in) and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s portal (tnerc.gov.in).

For compensation claims against TANGEDCO, victims’ families can refer to various judicial precedents, including the landmark case of Chairman, Grid Corporation of Orissa v. Sukamani Das (2004) and Kerala State Electricity Board v. Suresh Kumar (2020), which established the principle of strict liability for electricity providers. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) website (ncdrc.nic.in) maintains a database of relevant judgments, while the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (tnslsa.tn.gov.in) offers guidance on filing compensation claims. Furthermore, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, provides additional legal recourse for affected parties seeking compensation for deficiency in electricity services.

Death due to electrocution and liability of TANGEDCO to pay compensation