The Supreme Court, in Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited v. Rekha & Ors., clarified the liability of electricity authorities in cases involving electrocution. The Court distinguished between “strict liability” and “absolute liability” and held that electricity transmission is inherently dangerous, making the doctrine of strict liability applicable to electricity boards. However, absolute liability, which does not permit exceptions, was considered inappropriate in such cases. The Court also held that High Courts should generally avoid deciding compensation claims through writ jurisdiction under Article 226 where complex disputed questions of fact, such as contributory negligence, require detailed examination. The Supreme Court further rejected the automatic application of the multiplier method under the Motor Vehicles Act for calculating compensation in electrocution cases. Compensation must instead be determined on the basis of what is just and reasonable in the particular circumstances. The Court set aside the Karnataka High Court’s judgments while allowing the victims to pursue civil remedies. Interim compensation already paid was directed not to be recovered.