S.D.O. Grid Corporation Of Orissa Ltd. & ... vs Timudu Oram

The Supreme Court held that the High Court's exercise of power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to award compensation was justified despite the appellants' denial of liability based on alleged negligence of the deceased. The Court emphasized that the responsibility of the utility company extends to ensuring safety against unauthorized connections, and thus, the appellants were liable for the deaths caused by electrocution due to illegal hooking. The Court upheld the High Court's order directing the appellants to pay Rs. 2,70,000 as compensation to the respondents.