Kochi: Legal experts have stated that both criminal and civil proceedings can be initiated against the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) if a person dies or suffers serious injury due to electric shock caused by snapped or low-hanging power lines.

According to data provided by KSEB itself, 111 people have died in Kerala over the past 9 years – between 2017 and July 2025 – due to electrocution from such faulty power lines.

Despite the alarming number of fatalities, KSEB has paid only ₹24.62 crore compensation to the families of the deceased. This amounts to an average of just ₹21 lakh per family.

Advocate Ranjith B Marar, who was appointed amicus curiae by the High Court in a related case, noted that the compensation could be significantly higher if criminal and civil negligence proceedings are initiated against the electricity board. He added that pursuing criminal charges could also help families receive compensation more quickly.

This year alone, 11 people – including 13-year-old Midhun, who died after coming into contact with a live wire at Thevalakkara school in Kollam – have lost their lives due to faulty power lines. 

RTI activist MK Haridas, who obtained this information through a Right to Information Act, also revealed that KSEB has not provided jobs to any of the dependents of those who died from contact with power lines.