Delhi govt asked to pay solatium to kin of electrocuted girl

National Human Rights Commission today asked Delhi Government to pay Rs 3 lakh as monetary relief to the kin of a seven-year-old girl who was electrocuted after coming in contact with live wires in Lodhi Colony area four years back.
According to an official statement released today, the Commission has directed the Government of NCT of Delhi to pay Rs 3 lakh as monetary relief to the kin of Kumari Mamta, who got electrocuted after coming in contact with live wires in the Lodhi Colony area on October 14, 2010.
The Commission has observed that the report of the Electrical Inspector made a clear case of violation of human rights of the victim due to the negligence on the part of the discom M/s BRPL for which the Government of NCT of Delhi was vicariously liable to pay relief to the victim's family.

It has asked the Chief Secretary of the government of NCT of Delhi to submit the compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks.
During the course of enquiry, it was found that Mamta, while playing near her house, came in contact with live accessible conductor of the supply wires connecting to the feeder pillar and to the streetlight pole.
There were several temporary joints in the cables. The supply wire fell on the ground due to the breaking of a tree branch being used as support of these wires.
"It was also found that the electric supply wires from the feeder pillar which were hanging temporarily in between the streetlight pole and the tree should have been placed underground and if these were to be run overhead, the wires should have been supported by using metallic bearer wire.

"The lapse amounted to contravention of provisions of Rule 29 (i) of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956," the statement said.