A court has ordered K-Electric, the electricity distribution company, to pay Rs 19.3 million in compensation to the family of an 8-year-old boy, Azhan Siddiqui, who tragically died from electrocution in 2017.

The ruling was delivered by Senior Civil Judge East Karachi, Ambreen Jamal, on Tuesday, declaring K-Electric responsible for the incident.

Azhan’s parents filed a petition accusing K-Electric of criminal negligence, alleging the company failed to implement adequate safety measures.

They argued that the company had not installed guard wires on electric lines and neglected to maintain or repair damaged wires.

The petitioners claimed the wires had snapped during rainfall due to a defect, but remained live, leading to Azhan’s electrocution.

The plaintiffs contended that K-Electric’s failure to properly maintain its system and conduct regular checks on aging infrastructure contributed to the tragedy. Initially, they sought Rs 14.5 million in compensation based on legal precedents under the Fatal Accidents Act of 1855.

The court upheld this amount and added an additional Rs 4.82 million with interest at the prevailing bank rate from the date of the verdict until full payment is made.

The case underscores concerns about the safety standards and maintenance practices of utility companies, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The court’s decision holds K-Electric accountable for preventing such accidents.