ABDUL KHALEQUE Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The subject-matter in this writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is a claim for compensation lodged for the death of one Monirul Hoque [hereinafter also referred to as 'the deceased', at places, for easy reference] on the ground that his death had occurred in an electrical accident which took place on 16/7/2015 and due to non-disbursal of such compensation, a direction has been sought for to the respondent authorities which includes erstwhile Assam State Electricity Board, which entity after re-construction became known as Assam Power Distribution Company Limited [APDCL] to grant adequate compensation.

(2.) The relevant background facts, in brief, leading to the institution of the writ petition, as found averred in the writ petition, are as follows :-

(3.) The writ petition was filed on 3/6/2016 and notices were issued to the respondents on 8/6/2016. Despite institution of this writ petition as far back in the year 2016, no response has been filed on behalf of the respondent APDCL authorities despite elapse of more than 5 [five] years. The respondent no. 3 i.e. the Chief Electrical Inspector, Government of Assam has filed its counter affidavit on 1/6/2018, but without the electrical accident inquiry report attached to it. It was pursuant to an order dtd. 16/11/2021, the respondent no. 4 had filed an affidavit, on 22/11/2021, bringing the electrical accident inquiry report on record.