Supreme Court rules multiplier method in Motor Vehicles Act not applicable to electrocution death cases
The case concerns whether a writ petition is the appropriate remedy for electrocution claims and which legal standard (absolute vs. strict liability) applies to determine compensation when facts are disputed.
Appellant: Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited; Respondents: Rekha & Ors. (and Muizz Ahmad Shariff in the connected appeal); Bench: Justice Sanjay Karol.
- The Court identified the core issues as the maintainability of the writ petition and the correct yardstick for determining compensation in electrocution cases.
- The Court noted that the High Court had applied the framework of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to award compensation.
- The Court distinguished between absolute liability (applicable to hazardous enterprises) and strict liability.
- The Court cited precedent stating that where disputed questions of fact exist, a petition under Article 226 is not a proper remedy.
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Document details
| Official title | Multiplier Method Under Motor Vehicles Act Cannot Be Applied To Electrocution Death Cases : Supreme Court |
| Source body | Supreme Court of India — orders & judgments |
| Reference number | — |
| Status | closed (order) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Closing date | — |
| Documents | 1 |