EXECUTIVE ENGINEER Vs. AMBIKA SHARMA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE above appeal has been admitted on following substantial questions of law:

(2.) THE facts in brief are that applicant ambika Sharma, J. E. (E), Electrical Subdivision, H. P. P. W. D. , Snowdon, Shimla met with an accident on 6. 11. 2000 while performing his duties on LT Panel. A non-fatal accident report was submitted by the executive Engineer, Electrical Division no. 2, H. P. P. W. D. , Shimla-1 vide his letter dated 1. 12. 2000 informing the Commissioner about the accident. A notice was issued to the respondents and to submit requisite documents as well as their reply.

(3.) THE further facts are that when the applicant and others were working on LT panel on 6. 11. 2000, they got electrical substation shut down for conducting necessary repairs. At about 4 p. m. at the time of re-channellising the cable on the pole it was felt that main-line was leaking current, applicant went to the substation to inform khiali Ram, another Junior Engineer, regarding leakage of the current despite shut down. When they were about to check the fault, a sudden flash of electricity caused extensive damage and burning of seven employees very badly; two employees succumbed to their injuries later on, five of them suffered severe burns on their heads, hands and other parts of the bodies. The applicant also suffered severe burns on his head, cheeks, hands and legs. He remained under treatment for many months. F. I. R. was registered. Disability of the applicant was assessed 80 per cent by the Medical board on 12. 11. 2001.