Shillong, Jul 28: The Meghalaya High Court on Monday ordered the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Mawphlang to pay compensation of Rs. 6.5 lakhs, to the parents of a student who died of electrocution in the school hostel.
Nathaniel Sohtun, Sohtun, a class 11 student who was staying in one of the JNV hostels, died on July 28, 2024 while taking a bath.
A single bench of Justice Hamar Sing Thangkhiew in an order directed the school to pay the amount within eight weeks.
This amount to be paid by the school is over and above the ex-gratia payment of Rs.1 lakh that has already been disbursed by the school.
It may be mentioned that the mother of the victim, Phidapherlin Sohtun and the Parent Teacher Committee of the school filed a petition before the High Court.
The incident occurred on the terrace of Hostel B-2, when he had gone with his friends to take a head bath, after playing games.
The court said it is clear that the death of the student was caused by electrocution which is attributed to negligence and deficiency on the part of the school authorities, who were responsible for the safety and security of the students.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the place of the incident was restricted and supposed to be under lock and key, the very fact that the same was left unlocked, is a failure in the discharge of assigned duties on the part of the concerned teacher,” the High Court said.
According to the court, the findings contained in the various reports, also indicate the abysmal conditions of the electrical system and reflect on the general maintenance conditions of the institution, which needs urgent attention.
“There exist serious systemic deficiencies in the school’s infrastructure and supervision, which has been identified,” the High Court added.
The Court also said no criminal negligence has been established against the Principal of the school, Dr. Neelam Sharma.
“However, as it is reported that corrective measures are being taken and in view of the fact that the criminal case, wherein a charge sheet has already been filed, is pending,” the court added.
The High Court also pointed out that three accused- Akhlesh Kumar, Bandonlang Kharmalki and Stanborlin Ryntathiang, of JNV Mawphlang, have been chargesheeted in the case.
While disposing of the Writ Petition (Civil), the court said the school should adopt safety measures, including safety audits of electrical installations, such as wiring etc., to be conducted periodically to ensure effective maintenance and repair.
It also directed engagement of certified electricians for putting in place of proper safety protocols for electrical systems, proper monitoring and supervision of access to high risk or hazardous areas in the school such as terraces etc, to prevent future accidents.
The High Court also directed the placement of signage indicating warning and danger signs at hazardous places.
