Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur
Order Date: 17 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Purnima Bai Verma (widow of late Guddu Verma) filed writ petition WPC No. 4865 of 2022 under Article 226 seeking ex‑gratia compensation of Rs 4,00,000 for death of her husband due to electrocution on 27‑Oct‑2019.
- Respondents: State of Chhattisgarh and several officials of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) including Executive Directors, Collector, Executive Engineers.
- The claim was rejected by CSPDCL Executive Engineer on 02‑Sep‑2022 citing lack of provision; petitioner argued that CSPDCL circular dated 10‑Sep‑2018 provides Rs 4 lakh compensation for electrocution deaths.
- Respondents contended that the circular applies only when the accident is attributable to the distribution system (pole to meter) and the incident occurred inside the residential premises, beyond the meter, thus outside the scope.
- The Court examined the circular and the facts, noting that the accident happened after the metering point within the consumer’s internal wiring.
Final Outcome
- The Court held that the compensation scheme does not cover accidents occurring inside the consumer’s premises; therefore, the petition lacks merit.
- The writ petition is dismissed; no compensation is payable to the petitioner.
- Any pending interlocutory applications are also disposed of.
Topics: Compensation, Electricity Distribution, Court Judgment