The Karnataka High Court has awarded a total compensation of ₹2.82 crore to a Bengaluru man who suffered severe spinal injuries and was left with 85% disability after a tree branch fell on him in March 2024.

The court held that civic authorities had a duty to address known public safety hazards, even when the tree was located on private premises.

The incident involved G Chandrashekhara, a resident of Nagarabhavi, who was walking on a public road on March 7, 2024, when a branch from a Gulmohar tree inside the premises of Good Shepherd Convent School fell on his neck.

He suffered serious spinal injuries and underwent prolonged medical treatment and rehabilitation. His disability was assessed at 85%, while the court considered his functional disability as 100% for calculating his loss of future earning capacity.

Court Holds Civic Authorities Responsible

Justice Suraj Govindaraj observed that there was a distinction between an unexpected accident and a known danger that remained unaddressed. The court found that the civic authorities had a public duty regarding the dangerous tree despite it being located within private premises.

The court assessed the overall compensation at ₹2,82,29,695, covering medical expenses, loss of future earning capacity, attendant and care charges, future medical and rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of amenities.

After adjusting ₹5 lakh already paid by BBMP, the authorities were directed to pay ₹2,77,29,695, along with 6% annual interest from March 7, 2024, until the amount is paid. The payment has been directed through RTGS within the stipulated period.

The ₹3 lakh separately paid by the school will not be deducted from the compensation payable by the civic authorities. The school has also undertaken to provide free education to the petitioner’s daughter until she completes Class 12.

Court Issues Public Safety Directions

Apart from awarding compensation, the High Court also issued directions concerning the identification and management of public safety hazards.

The directions include creating mechanisms for citizens and other sources to report hazards, ensuring that reported risks are verified and addressed, and identifying locations where safety hazards repeatedly occur for periodic inspection.

The court also said that technologies such as AI, computer vision, satellite imagery, GIS data, drones, photographs and videos may be used to identify potential hazards.

However, the court emphasised that AI should assist authorities rather than make final decisions.

The ruling highlights the responsibility of civic authorities to respond to known safety risks and prevent avoidable accidents in public spaces.