Electrocution--Strict Liability Of Electricity Department--Claimant Need Only Prove Injury From Live Wire--Negligence Of Electricity Department Need Not Be Proved
The principle of strict liability applies in cases of electrocution by a live or broken electricity line. An electricity authority is not required to be proved negligent; the burden on the claimant is limited to proving that injury or death occurred due to electrocution from the line of the defendant. Fault of employees in installation or maintenance of lines is irrelevant to liability. Compensation in electrocution cases is to be determined on the same principles applicable to motor accident claims, considering occupation, monthly income, nature of injuries, quantum of permanent disability, loss of earning capacity, treatment expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of amenities — as settled in National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Pranay Sethi and Parvati Devi v. Commissioner of Police, Delhi.
