Delhi HC seeks reply on exposed electric wires

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response from the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking repairs to exposed electrical wirings in public places.

The court also sought response from Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) and the three power distribution companies (discoms) on the issue.

Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath asked the Delhi government, DERC and the discoms to file response by November 4.

The PIL, filed by NGO Common Cause, through advocate Meera Bhatia, has sought court directions to ensure that uncovered live wires on electricity poles and power infrastructure on the ground do not pose a hazard to residents.

The agencies concerned had ignored and not implemented the recommendations of various expert committees to replace overhead lines with underground cables, said the plea.

"Existing poles that pose a hazard to human and animal lives be repaired. If they cannot be repaired, they should be replaced," said Bhatia.

The PIL said that around 29 people were electrocuted and over 40 others injured after touching live wires in the city since 2008. The incidents of electrocution reported in the media too have been cited in the PIL.

The NGO alleged that the "negligence and callous attitude of the discoms in ensuring safety standards in installing, maintaining electricity supply lines and apparatus results in many avoidable deaths on the streets of Delhi".