Gujarat HC directs PGVCL to remove live wires from trees to prevent mishaps

The Gujarat High Court has directed the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) to inspect and remove any live wires near trees to prevent accidents. The directive was issued on Wednesday during the hearing of a case involving an 18-year-old boy who died after being electrocuted by a live wire while feeding cattle under a tree.

The incident occurred in March 2008, leading to the boy’s death on the spot due to electrocution. Following the incident, the deceased’s parents filed a complaint in the District Court Bhuj Kutch against PGVCL.

The court had directed PGVCL to pay ₹6,52,000 with interest to the family of the deceased as compensation. PGVCL challenged this ruling and appealed before the Gujarat High Court.

In court, the parents argued that their son’s death was due to the negligence of the company, as live wires were left hanging around the tree, leading to the fatal incident.

The family’s lawyer informed the court that during the 17-year-long trial, the deceased’s father had also passed away, leaving only the mother alive, and requested the court to dismiss PGVCL’s appeal, stating that the trial court had ruled after considering all evidence and witness statements.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Hemant Prachchhak of the high court ruled in favour of the deceased’s family and dismissed the appeal by PGVCL.

The high court also directed electricity boards across Gujarat to inspect and remove any live wires from trees to prevent similar tragedies in the future.