Calcutta High Court Demands Reports from CESC and KMC Following Multiple Electrocution Deaths Due to Waterlogging

The Calcutta High Court has requested a comprehensive report from CESC Ltd, the private power utility company, regarding multiple electrocution fatalities in Kolkata and surrounding areas caused by waterlogged streets.

This judicial action follows the power distribution company's denial of responsibility for these deaths, claiming they were unconnected to their network. This denial came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Sanjiv Goenka-owned utility of negligence in the matter.

Approximately ten individuals lost their lives in rain-related incidents across West Bengal, with eight fatalities occurring in Kolkata. These deaths resulted from contact with exposed electrical wires submerged in waterlogged streets throughout various areas of the city.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the situation, the division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Apurba Sinha Roy instructed Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation to submit a detailed report on the electrocution deaths by the next hearing scheduled for November 7.

The court has mandated CESC to explain its safety protocols, emergency response mechanisms, and justify why preventative power outages were not implemented despite the India Meteorological Department issuing an orange alert for severe weather conditions.

Furthermore, the division bench directed Kolkata Municipal Corporation to file a report by the same date detailing measures taken to ensure effective functioning of the city's sewerage system to prevent waterlogging, including drainage clearance and desilting operations.

The High Court bench also requested clarification from the state government regarding compensation plans for families of electrocution victims.

Chief Minister Banerjee announced on Wednesday that a compensation of Rs 2 lakh would be provided to each victim's family. She also urged CESC to extend compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each family who lost members due to electrocution from exposed wires during the flooding.

"The state government will provide Rs 2 lakh compensation to the families of those electrocuted to death yesterday. Money cannot replace lives, but even if CESC does not provide jobs, we will ensure special employment is given to family members," the Chief Minister stated.