A 74-year-old farmer from Bagalkot district has triumphed in a four-and-a-half-year legal battle, securing ₹21.42 lakh in compensation for the loss of his pomegranate yield due to a fire caused by a short circuit. The fire, which destroyed 1,320 pomegranate trees and 15 tonnes of yield, was triggered by a squirrel that came into contact with an overhead 10 KV power line.
The Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled in favor of Pampanna, also known as Chiniwalar, from Badami taluk. The commission directed the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) to compensate Pampanna for the extensive damage. The case was supported by evidence including the dead squirrel, a broken pin insulator, and other debris found on the land, which helped establish that the incident resulted from Hescom’s maintenance failures.
The compensation amount includes ₹5,08,200 for the destroyed trees, ₹75,000 for damages to irrigation equipment, ₹15,24,600 for future crop loss, ₹25,000 for mental agony, and ₹10,000 for litigation costs. The commission also awarded 6% annual interest from the date of the complaint until the amount is fully paid.
The State Consumer Commission’s decision partially upheld Pampanna’s complaint and modified Hescom’s appeal, setting the total compensation at ₹25,43,250. This ruling underscores the importance of proper maintenance and accountability in utility services.