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Court Orders K-Electric to Pay Rs 19.3m for Child’s Electrocution Death
Legal victory for Azhan's family: K-Electric found negligent in infrastructure maintenance, ordered to pay Rs 19.3m in compensation. Justice for 8-year-old Azhan Siddiqui.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-24
Court Orders K-Electric to Pay Rs 19.3m for Child’s Electrocution Death

Senior Civil Judge Ambreen Jamal has ordered K-Electric (KE) to pay Rs 19.3 million in compensation to the family of eight-year-old Azhan Siddiqui, who tragically lost his life due to electrocution during a heavy rainstorm in Karachi in 2017.

Background of the Case

The tragic incident occurred when live electric wires snapped from a pole during heavy downpours in Karachi, electrocuting the young child. Azhan’s parents pursued legal action against K-Electric under the Fatal Accidents Act of 1855, claiming the utility company's gross negligence in maintaining its electrical infrastructure caused the death.

According to the petitioner's lawyer, K-Electric had failed to:

  • Install necessary guard wires around electric poles.
  • Conduct regular maintenance and inspections.
  • Replace weakened or rusted cables despite being aware of the risks.

The snapped wires, left live and unattended, created a deadly hazard, ultimately claiming the life of Azhan Siddiqui.

Court’s Findings

The court ruled in favor of Azhan’s family, holding K-Electric responsible for failing to uphold safety standards. Judge Ambreen Jamal deemed the negligence claims valid, citing that K-Electric’s inability to maintain and repair its aging infrastructure directly contributed to the tragedy.

As per the verdict, K-Electric must pay:

  • Rs 14.5 million as compensation for proven negligence.
  • Rs 4.82 million as additional damages, with interest applied until full payment is made.

Broader Implications

This ruling is seen as a significant precedent, bringing into focus the accountability of public service providers for ensuring the safety of citizens.

Previous Incidents of Negligence

This is not the first time K-Electric has faced allegations of negligence leading to fatalities. In August, the daughter of Gulzar, a driver, filed a Rs 30 million lawsuit after her father was electrocuted in a similar incident. The incident, caused by fallen wires submerged in water, highlights recurring concerns about the utility company's safety measures.

Public Reaction

The ruling has been widely welcomed by citizens and activists, who have long criticized K-Electric for its failure to maintain infrastructure, especially during the monsoon season. Azhan’s family expressed relief at the court's decision, emphasizing that no amount of compensation could bring their child back but hoping this serves as a wake-up call for utility companies to prioritize safety.

Conclusion

The case underscores the critical need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in public utilities. With this judgment, the court has not only brought justice to Azhan Siddiqui’s family but also sent a strong message that negligence affecting human lives will not go unpunished.

 
Tagged:

Kelectric

LegalVictory

KarachiNews

ChildSafety

JusticeForAzhan
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