TSHRC Declares Electrocution Death of Child a Violation of Right to Life

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The Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC) has ruled that the electrocution death of a 10-year-old boy in Jadcherla constitutes a violation of his constitutional right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The incident involved B. Shreyan, who died after coming into contact with an unprotected 160 kilovolts (KV) transformer that had remained a safety hazard despite repeated warnings from residents.

In its decision, the commission ordered the Transmission Corporation of Telangana (Transco) to pay ₹ 5 lakh in compensation to the boy’s family. It also directed the utility to conduct a statewide review of transformer safety measures and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. Additionally, the TSHRC instructed that any officials found negligent must face disciplinary action within 60 days.

The commission’s findings highlighted that the transformer in question had been the subject of prior complaints, but no effective action was taken to address the hazard. This lack of preventive measures, according to the TSHRC, directly contributed to the fatality and represented a failure in public safety obligations.

Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, and the commission emphasized that this right includes protection from foreseeable dangers arising from negligence by public authorities. It further stated that utility providers such as Transco must ensure that their infrastructure does not endanger the public.

By mandating both financial compensation and systemic safety reviews, the TSHRC’s order seeks to address immediate relief for the family while also preventing similar incidents in the future. The commission’s directives underscore the need for stricter compliance with safety protocols, especially in residential areas where vulnerable populations, including children, are at risk.

The case serves as a reminder that infrastructure safety is an integral part of governance and public accountability. The commission’s intervention reinforces that state utilities are legally and morally responsible for safeguarding citizens from preventable hazards.