Madras High Court
Sankareswari vs The Superintending Engineer on 20 February, 2026
Author: R.Vijayakumar
Bench: R.Vijayakumar
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED :20.02.2026
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR
W.P(MD)No.682 of 2026
Sankareswari ... Petitioner
.Vs.
1.The Superintending Engineer,
TNPDCL,
Thoothukudi.
2.The Assistant Engineer,
(Operation and Maintenance),
TNPDCL,
Kalugumalai,
Thoothukudi District. ... Respondents
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution
of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing
the respondents to give adequate compensation to the Petitioner
for electrocution Death of her husband namely Murugan, on the
basis of her representation, dated 18.11.2025.
For Petitioner : Mr.A.Balaji
For Respondents : Mr.S.Deenadhayalan
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Standing Counsel.
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to give adequate compensation to the Petitioner for electrocution Death of her husband namely, Murugan, on the basis of her representation, dated 18.11.2025.
2.In the affidavit filed in support of the Writ Petition , it is averred that high tension electrical live wires had fallen into a nearby tree and on the Telephone Exchange Pole. Two third parties got electrocuted. The Petitioner’s husband made an attempt to save both of them. However, he died due to electrocution. Hence an FIR in Crime No.2674 or 2025 was filed on 17.10.2025 on the file of Kalugumalai Police Station..
3.It is contended by the leaned counsel for the Petitioner that the respondent officials have not trim the tree and they have been negligent in maintaining the high tension live wire properly which had resulted in passing of electricity to the near by Telephone Exchange Pole. According to the Petitioner, the Petitioner’s husband gone their to save of third parties and he 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/02/2026 12:48:26 pm ) succumbed to death.
4.Per contra, the respondents filed a counter contending that electrical wire was not touching with the Telepobone Exchange Pole. There was no possibility of any electrical leakage from the electrical wires and no service connection wires supplying electricity tied to the said Telephone Exchange Pole. According to them, high tension electrical lines passing on the other side of the road and as such, they are not responsible for payment of compensation for the electrocution.
5.Heard the submissions made on either side and perused the materials placed before this Court.
6.It could be seen from the FIR and allegations in the writ affidavit that high tension electrical line had touched the tree and the electricity passed on to the telephone exchange pole which is nearby and two third parties got electrical shock from the telephone pole and the Petitioner’s husband made an attempt to save them and in the said attempt, he had passed away due to electrocution. The respondent officials did not drim the tree and they were negligent in their duties and therefore, they are liable to pay compensation.
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7.The accident having taken place on 17.10.2025 and proceedings No.11/21.11.2025 of the responents/Department is applicable to the facts of the present case. The case been fatal in nature, the respondents are liable to pay Rs.10 lakhs as compensation. If the Petitioner seeks additional compensation, it is for her to approach the competent civil Court.
8.In view of the above facts, the respondents are directed to pay a sum of Rs.10 lakhs to the Petitioner as compensation along with interest at the rate of 6% p.a., from 17.10.2025 till the date of realization. The above said exercise shall be carried out within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
9.With the above observation, the Writ Petition is allowed. No costs.
20.02.2026 NCS : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/No vsn To 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/02/2026 12:48:26 pm )
1.The Superintending Engineer, TNPDCL, Thoothukudi.
2.The Assistant Engineer, (Operation and Maintenance), TNPDCL, Kalugumalai, Thoothukudi District.
R.VIJAYAKUMAR.,J.
vsn ORDER MADE IN W.P(MD)No.682 of 2026 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/02/2026 12:48:26 pm ) 20.02.2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/02/2026 12:48:26 pm )