Elevators have become an essential part of modern urban life. In a crowded elevator, particularly at public spaces, sense of confinement is real.
OTIS installed the lift in question in the Research and Analysis Wing office complex at Lodhi Road, New Delhi, in December, 2001. On 24.05.2002, Military Engineering Service had entered into a contract with OTIS for upkeep of the lift. On 20.03.2003, at about 10:40 AM, the lift abruptly stopped between the 6th and 7th floors. First Officer was rescued successfully. The lift suddenly moved downward for about 5–7 seconds. Second Officer had his neck crushed, causing his death. The remaining 11 were rescued without any further issue.
We heard Mr. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Learned Senior Counsel appearing for OTIS. The apportionment of 70% of liability to OTIS, 25% to MES and 5% to RAW calls for no interference by this Court.
– M/s. Otis Elevator Company (India) Ltd. v. Rashmi Handa, [Civil Appeal No. 4081 of 2014] decided on 29.07.2026.
