Annual Report
2013-14
4.287 A report was also received from Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh
stating that the Electricity Board had given compensation of ` 1,50,000 to the family of
the victim on 19 June 2012. It was further informed that Dy. Commissioner, Chamba had
separately disbursed an amount of ` 50,000/- to the family of the child.
4.288 The Commission examined the report of the three-member Committee and opined
that it was based on surmise and conjecture. There was no finding that the conducting
material which the child might have unknowingly used, was found anywhere near the rock.
Moreover, it was mentioned in the report itself that the transmission line had become low
due to tilting of single pole structure and loosening of winding of conductor from insulator.
It appeared that the transmission line was not maintained properly and to shield the
negligent officer, the Committee tried to hush-up the case. Therefore, the Commission was
convinced that the State was liable for negligence.
4.289 As a result of electrocution the child became disabled permanently and the misery
caused by electrocution would stay with him throughout his life, the amount of ` 2,00,000
paid to the family was grossly inadequate. Considering all the circumstances, the Commission
vide its proceedings dated 15 April 2013 recommended to the Government of Himachal
Pradesh to pay a sum of ` 5,00,000 to the victim, while adjusting the amount already.
4.290 Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Himachal
Pradesh informed that the victim Naval Kumar alias Rohit Kumar had filed a CWP
No.475/2013 in the Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh for appropriate relief and
pursuing his case for compensation in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. However, the
Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board had deposited a sum of ` 5,00,000 with the Hon’ble
High Court of Himachal Pradesh to be paid to the victim as compensation.
4.291 Since, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board had already deposited the
compensation amount with the Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh, the Commission
vide its proceedings dated 22 July 2013 closed the case.
h)
31.
Muzaffarnagar Communal Riots
Suo Motu Cognizance by the Commission on Communal Riots in Muzaffarnagar
(Case No. 34257/24/57/2013)
4.292 The National Human Rights Commission issued the following statement on riots in
District Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh:
The National Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned over the riots in
district Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh. It appeals to all
sections of society to maintain calm and harmony to overcome this unfortunate
situation.
78 | NHRC