Bengaluru tree branch fall tragedy prompts Karnataka HC to script tech driven public safety framework across State

The Karnataka High Court has issued sweeping general directions to the State government to establish a comprehensive public safety hazard detection and response mechanism, designed to digitally ensure that such dangers once reported are not lost in administrative limbo.

The public safety hazards would include trees, damaged roads, open manholes, blocked drains, exposed electrical installations, unsafe construction, encroachments, or any condition capable of causing death or serious injury, the court said.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued directions in his 353-page verdict on a petition granting ₹2.77 crore compensation to one Chandan G., who was paralysed after a tree bench fell on him while he was walking on a public road in Bengaluru two years ago. The 70-page directions on public safety hazard contain 52 main directions and several sub-clauses under each direction, with totally around 380 sub-clauses.