State is responsible to compensate family of persons died due negligent act of suddenly releasing water from Dam into rivers without prior intimation.

In an unfortunate incident, three boys who were crossing river while returning from nearby forest were drowned and died when water level suddenly swelled due to release of water from Dam into river. On inspection it was found that despite issuance of guidelines by State Govt., Company operating the Dam had failed to put the sirens or other warning devices in proper places to prevent death of persons who may be living around rivers. Though Company Officials had claimed to have erected caution Notice Boards near Bridge which might have been removed by "locals", on inspection by Govt. Officials no Notice Boards or proof of their alleged removal by "locals" was not established. There was also no distribution of brochures to public or announcements on televisions, radio or newspaper articles educating them about specific hazards near the Hydro Power Project. The Sikkim High Court held that the State shall be responsible to compensate family of persons died due negligent act of Authorities.