Compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh recommended for boy died due to electrocution

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): While rejecting the contention of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) that the lapse due to which a two year old boy was electrocuted in a Hospital in Delhi was of the contractor and officials of EDMC were not liable for the incident, NHRC recommended a relief of Rs.1.5 lakh to the relatives of the deceased. Earlier, a two year old child was electrocuted on September 3, 2012 in Swami Dayanand Hospital, Delhi, where his parents were working as labourers on the construction site of a new block. In response to a show cause notice issued to EDMC, it was submitted that though no lapses can be attributed on the part of the concerned officials, stern warning had been issued to them to be careful in monitoring of works of this nature. It was further informed that on the basis of the plea bargain, the court had already convicted the contractor’s security guard and the contractor had also paid Rs 50,000 to the boy’s father as compensation. The Commission observed that it was not the sole responsibility of the contractor to check safety measures regarding sub-meter or other electrical installation done for the execution of the work by EDMC and the officials of EDMC were also responsible to monitor the work. The Commission further noted that as the officials of EDMC failed to comply with their duties, it resulted in the death of the child and EDMC cannot escape the liability to pay compensation. As the compensation of Rs 50,000 was found to be inadequate by the Commission, an additional amount of Rs 1.5 lakh was also recommended as compensation. (Source: nhrc.nic.in, Dated: April 22, 2015)