K’taka HC Issues Notices Over Namma Metro Tragedy Compensation Petition

The Karnataka High Court recently issued notices to the state government, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), and other concerned parties following a petition filed by Lohitkumar V Sulakhe.

The petitioner’s wife, Tejaswini L Sulakhe (26), and their two-and-a-half year old son, Vihan, tragically lost their lives in the Namma Metro pillar collapse incident near Nagavara on January 10, 2023.

Seeking compensation, Lohitkumar filed a writ petition demanding Rs 10 crore, claiming that the accident occurred due to BMRCL authorities’ negligence. While the BMRCL offered Rs 20 lakh compensation to the victims’ kin, Lohitkumar argued that this amount was inadequate for the loss of innocent lives, attributing the accident to inaction, inadequate safety measures, and carelessness on the part of the respondents.

Tejaswini, a software engineer, was earning Rs.75,748 per month, making her the family’s breadwinner. The petitioner emphasized that the compensation offered was insufficient and merely served to conceal the negligence of the respondents regarding safety measures. Lohitkumar further asserted that all the respondents lacked knowledge of safety precautions, leading to the tragic loss of two innocent lives.

Notably, Tejaswini’s family had recently moved into a flat purchased on loan, highlighting the financial impact of her untimely demise. Hence, the petition sought a compensation of Rs 10 crore for the victim’s family.

The court adjourned the case after issuing notices to the respondents, requiring them to file their objections. Among the respondents listed in the petition are the MD, Chief Engineer, and Operation Engineer of BMRCL, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, MD of Nagarjuna Construction Company, and its project manager.