Karachi: A local court in Karachi has ordered Town Municipal Corporation Orangi Town to pay more than Rs15 million in compensation to the family of a man who died after falling into an open nullah during heavy rainfall.
According to Beyond Time News, the court held TMC Orangi Town responsible for negligence and failure to ensure public safety, while clearing Karachi Metropolitan Corporation of liability in the case.
Court Holds TMC Responsible for Negligence
The case came before the Senior Civil Judge West in Karachi. The victim’s family filed a compensation claim under the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855, through Advocate Usman Farooq against both TMC Orangi Town and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.
The petition stated that the deceased, identified as Arif, was returning home during heavy rain on July 26, 2020. During the rainfall, he reportedly fell into an uncovered nullah because authorities failed to maintain proper safety measures in the area.
The accident caused severe injuries, and Arif died at the scene.
After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both parties, the court concluded that negligence by TMC Orangi Town directly contributed to the fatal incident.
Court Criticizes Lack of Safety Measures
The judge observed that the victim was young, healthy, and unmarried. The court also highlighted the civic body’s failure to cover dangerous nullahs and manholes despite the risks posed during monsoon rains.
According to Beyond Time News, the court stated that the tragic death occurred because of careless conduct and poor preventive planning by the municipal authorities.
The ruling emphasized that civic institutions have a responsibility to protect citizens from avoidable dangers, especially during heavy rainfall and urban flooding situations.
TMC Denied Allegations During Proceedings
During the hearing, TMC Orangi Town rejected the allegations and claimed officials had already made necessary arrangements to manage rain-related risks.
However, the court found the arguments unconvincing and ruled in favor of the victim’s family. The judge directed TMC Orangi Town to pay compensation exceeding Rs15 million to the legal heirs of the deceased.
The ruling has drawn attention to Karachi’s ongoing drainage and infrastructure problems, particularly in densely populated areas where uncovered drains and broken roads continue to threaten public safety during the rainy season.
Read more:Karachi Court Orders Jail-Based Remand Proceedings in Anmol Pinky Case
Public Concerns Over Karachi’s Drainage System
Residents in different parts of Karachi have repeatedly raised concerns about open nullahs, damaged roads, and unsafe drainage systems. Every monsoon season, heavy rainfall creates serious risks for pedestrians and motorists across the city.
Urban planning experts say local authorities need to improve drainage infrastructure, install safety barriers, and conduct regular inspections to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The latest court decision may increase pressure on municipal institutions to take stronger action against negligence and improve public safety measures before the next rainy season begins.
FAQs
Why did the court order compensation?
The court ruled that TMC Orangi Town failed to maintain proper safety measures, which led to the victim’s death.
How much compensation did the court award?
The court ordered TMC Orangi Town to pay more than Rs15 million to the victim’s family.
When did the incident happen?
The incident occurred on July 26, 2020, during heavy rainfall in Karachi.
Who filed the case?
The victim’s family filed the compensation claim through Advocate Usman Farooq.
Did the court hold KMC responsible?
No, the court cleared the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation of responsibility in the case.
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