DANO BAI Vs. PUNJAB STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) SMT . Dano Bai and others are defendants/legal heirs of Munsha Singh. Munsha Singh was electrocuted by contract with the live-wire which was passing over the roof of the house of one Purshottam Lal, s/o Jagannath. Munsha Singh was 35 years old at the time of his death. He was well built and in good health. He was the sole bread-winner of family consisting of his wife, mother, one son and two daughters.

(2.) SUDDEN and untimely death of Mansha Singh has exposed his legal dependents to starvation. Munsha Singh was there in the neighbourhood of the house of Purshottam Lal when the mishap took place. Purshottam Lal fell unconscious due to the touch of electric wire while he was bringing the cot down the roof of his house. Over the roof of his house, 66 K. V. Powerline was passing. Purshottam Lal received the electric shock when the cot, he was bringing down the roof, struck the power line and he fell on the roof of his house. Munsha Singh and one, Buta Ram went upstairs to bring Purshottam Lal down the roof. Munsha Singh went a little forward. With the striking of the cot, the electric wire had gone low and began touching the roof. Munsha Singh came in contact with the electric wire through which the electric current was passing and his clothes caught fire and he died at the spot.

(3.) ON these allegations, Smt. Dano Bai and others have knocked the door of this Court through this writ petition, seeking mandamus directing the respondents to pay them compensation to the tune of Rs. eight lakhs with interest at the rate of 18 % per annum on account of the tragic death of Munsha Singh, the sole bread-winner of the family.