The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a stern view of the growing number of deaths caused by lightning strikes, exposed electrical wires, and illegal electric fencing across the state. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court questioned whether public safety measures were limited to official paperwork or were actually being implemented on the ground.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal directed the state government and the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) to explain the concrete steps being taken to prevent such accidents. The court has asked the power utility to submit a comprehensive status report by August 18, the next date of hearing.

Court Questions Delay in Safety Measures

During the hearing, the bench raised concerns over the state's response to recurring electrocution incidents and asked what progress had been made in preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at preventing electrical accidents.

The judges observed that issuing circulars and administrative orders alone would not ensure public safety unless visible improvements were seen on the ground.

The court emphasized that effective implementation, regular monitoring, and accountability were essential to reducing fatalities caused by electrical hazards.

Power Company Files Affidavit

In compliance with the High Court's earlier directions issued on July 6, 2026, the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department and the Managing Director of CSPDCL submitted personal affidavits before the court.

The affidavits revealed that under the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Supply Code, 2011, Clause 5.35 had earlier made it mandatory for low-tension electricity consumers to submit a licensed contractor's wiring test report before obtaining a new power connection or after completing electrical wiring.

However, the power company informed the court that this mandatory requirement had been withdrawn through an order issued on March 2, 2026, a development that drew attention during the proceedings.

High-Level Committee Formed

The state government informed the court that a high-level committee had been constituted on July 20, 2026, to prepare a comprehensive SOP for preventing electrical accidents and improving public safety.

The committee includes senior CSPDCL officials along with the state's Electrical Inspector. It has been tasked with developing safety protocols, identifying risk factors, and recommending preventive measures to reduce electrocution-related incidents.

Illegal Electric Fencing Among Major Causes

According to the affidavit submitted by CSPDCL, a significant number of electrocution deaths occur due to:

• Illegal electrification of farm and boundary fencing.
• Construction work carried out without minimum electrical safety standards.
• Unsafe electrical installations.
• Exposure to live wires during maintenance and unauthorized connections.

The company stated that it has designated senior officials and regional Additional Chief Engineers as Electrical Safety Officers in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority Safety Regulations, 2023, and provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Awareness Campaigns Underway

CSPDCL also informed the court that awareness campaigns and workshops are being organized across rural and urban areas to educate people about safe electricity usage and discourage illegal power connections, commonly known as "hooking."

Officials said these initiatives aim to improve public awareness regarding electrical hazards while encouraging compliance with safety standards.

High Court Seeks Accountability

Despite these assurances, the High Court observed that forming committees and issuing directions would not be sufficient unless measurable action was visible on the ground.

The bench directed the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department and the Managing Director of CSPDCL to submit a detailed report explaining:

• The progress made by the committee formed on July 20.
• The status of the proposed Standard Operating Procedure.
• Measures taken to strengthen electrical infrastructure.
• Steps adopted for regular inspection and maintenance.
• Efforts to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations across the state.

The matter will now be heard on August 18, when the court is expected to review the implementation of the proposed safety measures and the state's preparedness to prevent further electrocution and lightning-related fatalities.