K-E ordered to pay Rs13.5m over electrocution death

KARACHI:

A Senior Civil Judge (Central) has ordered K-Electric to pay Rs13.5 million in compensation to the family of a man who died from electrocution while trying to save a child during rainfall.

The court announced its verdict on a compensation suit filed by the victim's family under the Fatal Accidents Act, holding K-Electric responsible for negligence. It directed the company to pay the compensation within 90 days.

According to the judgment, institutions responsible for supply of electricity bear an exceptional duty to ensure public safety. The court ruled that the presence of wires from other entities on the pole does not absolve K-Electric of its responsibility. It further observed that an electrified pole in a public place is, in itself, evidence of negligence.

The court also stated that the deceased's act of attempting to save a child could not be considered contributory negligence, adding that the law views efforts to save human life with leniency.