Haryana rights panel pulls up state authorities after unfenced power transformer claims life of disabled man

The commission`s chairman highlighted that the incident is a major concern of safety infrastructure and dereliction of duty by the authorities concerned. Representational Image/File Pic.

Taking serious note of the electrocution of a disabled man due to an unfenced roadside power transformer in Sonipat, the Haryana Human Rights Commission has demanded strict accountability from the electricity department and other responsible authorities.

The commission's chairperson, Justice Lalit Batra, condemned the incident, describing it as a severe violation of human rights. According to a complaint lodged by the victim's uncle, the incident took place on January 11, when the man, identified as Rajneesh, accidentally came in contact with a roadside transformer that was reportedly without any fencing or warning signs. Although he was immediately taken to the hospital, the doctors declared him ‘brought dead'. The complainant has strongly condemned the electricity department's negligence, highlighting its failure to implement necessary safety measures around hazardous infrastructure, to protect the public.

IN PHOTOS: Building slab collapse triggers evacuation in Nalasopara; mother-son duo rescued

4 weeks agoPHOTO GALLERY

Justice Batra highlighted that the incident is a major concern of safety infrastructure and dereliction of duty by the authorities concerned. The transformer involved in the incident was reportedly installed in a busy pedestrian zone, featuring low-hanging wires and lacking physical barriers or warning signs, posing a serious threat to public safety. The absence of preventive maintenance, routine inspections, and standard safety protocols reflects a broader administrative lapse, the chairperson noted. The council asserted that the incident represents violation of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, as well as Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The negligence by public authorities, who are considered "State" under Article 12 of the Constitution, amounts to a breach of constitutional and statutory protection afforded to all citizens, particularly to vulnerable sections such as persons with disabilities, the commission observed in its May 13 order.

Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family, the commission highlighted the State's heightened obligation to protect the dignity, safety and rights of persons with disabilities.

"The death of Rajneesh, a person with 81 per cent disability, due to the reckless installation and neglect of a public utility, is both preventable and unacceptable in a society committed to upholding human rights," Justice Batra observed.

Taking serious note of the incident, the commission issued several recommendations. It directed the electricity department to carry out a time-bound, independent investigation to identify shortcomings and assign accountability. It further recommended that disciplinary and legal action be taken against officials responsible for installing the transformer without adhering to mandatory safety standards. The commission also stated that the state government must provide immediate interim compensation to the victim's family, in line with the principles of State liability and reparative justice, reported PTI

Addressing the need for preventive measures and enhanced public safety, Justice Lalit Batra recommended a district-wise audit of all transformers and high-voltage electrical installations located in public and residential areas.

The proposed audit must ensure that all transformers are properly fenced or barricaded, equipped with clearly visible warning signs and hazard indicators, and that overhead clearances are verified, with any low-hanging wires removed. Additionally, it should include the maintenance of regular inspection records and the establishment of emergency response systems to handle similar incidents in the future.

Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information, and Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, informed that the Sonipat Police Commissioner has been directed to submit a status report on whether an FIR has been filed and the current stage of the investigation.

Similarly, the Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to provide an update on the disbursement of compensation to the victim's family. The commission has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 30.

(With inputs from PTI)