Justice Delayed, Accountability Denied: A Case from Varanasi That Demands Urgent Attention

 A tragic incident in Varanasi highlights a painful reality of systemic negligence and delayed justice.

In January 2024, a man lost his life due to electrocution while hoisting a flag at a temple. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to severe electric burns on 3 February 2024. Behind this loss is a young widow and her three children—now struggling not only with grief but also with economic and social insecurity.

A complaint was filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 3 June 2025, seeking justice and compensation of ₹5 lakh. The Commission took cognizance and directed the Uttar Pradesh Energy Department to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR). However, even after months—and a formal reminder issued on 8 April 2026—the authorities have failed to respond.

This silence is not just administrative delay—it raises serious concerns:

🔹 Negligence in public safety: How was an exposed or unsafe electrical setup allowed in a public place?

🔹 Lack of accountability: Why has no clear responsibility been fixed even after a fatal incident?

🔹 Delay in justice: Why is the victim’s family still waiting for basic compensation and closure?

🔹 Systemic apathy: When institutions fail to respond even to NHRC directives, what recourse remains for ordinary citizens?

This case is not isolated. It reflects a broader issue where preventable deaths—especially among marginalized and lower-income families—often go unaddressed.

Key Concerns from the Case:

• Death caused by alleged electrical negligence in a public space
• Delayed institutional response despite NHRC intervention
• Economic vulnerability of the victim’s family
• Absence of timely compensation and accountability

What Needs to Happen Now:

✔ Immediate submission of ATR by the concerned department

✔ Independent investigation fixing responsibility

✔ Timely financial compensation and rehabilitation for the family

✔ Preventive audit of electrical safety in public spaces

Justice is not only about compensation—it is about dignity, accountability, and ensuring that such tragedies do not repeat.

If institutions fail to act even after formal directives, it weakens public trust and undermines the very idea of human rights protection.

This is not just one family’s fight—it is a question of systemic responsibility.

Incident Details (NHRC Case No. 9522/24/72/2025 | Diary No. 12863/IN/2025): On 22 January 2024, Shri Vishal Seth suffered a severe electric shock while hoisting the National Flag at the Hanuman Temple, Ashok Vihar, Varanasi, after coming into contact with a live electric line or electrified structure. He sustained grievous burn injuries and, despite receiving medical treatment, succumbed to his injuries on 3 February 2024. His untimely death left behind his wife, Smt. Sonali Seth, and three young children, depriving the family of its sole breadwinner. The incident indicates alleged negligence in ensuring electrical safety, resulting in a violation of the victim's right to life. Consequently, a complaint was filed before the National Human Rights Commission and registered as Diary No. 12863/IN/2025 and Case No. 9522/24/72/2025, seeking justice, accountability of the concerned authorities, and compensation of ₹5,00,000 for the bereaved family. The NHRC directed the Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to submit an Action Taken Report; however, due to non-compliance, the Commission issued a reminder and warned that proceedings under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, may be initiated if the report is not submitted within the stipulated time.