The Gujarat High Court has directed Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) to inspect and remove live electrical wires near trees to prevent future accidents. The directive came during the hearing of a case involving the death of an 18-year-old boy, who was electrocuted by a live wire while feeding cattle under a tree in March 2008.The boy died on the spot, and his parents subsequently filed a compensation claim against PGVCL in the Bhuj District Court. The court had ordered the company to pay ₹6.52 lakh along with interest to the family. PGVCL challenged this decision in the Gujarat High Court.The deceased’s parents argued that the tragedy occurred due to the company’s negligence in leaving live wires hanging from a tree. During the 17-year-long legal battle, the boy’s father also passed away, leaving only the mother to pursue the case. Her lawyer urged the court to uphold the lower court’s ruling, stating it was based on thorough evaluation of evidence and witness testimony.After hearing both sides, Justice Hemant Prachchhak dismissed PGVCL’s appeal and upheld the compensation order. Additionally, the court instructed all electricity boards across Gujarat to conduct inspections and ensure that no live wires are left near trees, in order to prevent such incidents in the future.
