State asked to release aid to kin of blast victims in 4 weeks

The court observed that the Collector was authorised by the Centre to issue  compensation by an amendment made to its scheme in June, 2012. The Thane district collector had written to the state government about the same on September 23, 2013. However, since a secretary was not available to issue the necessary sanction for the Collector to disburse the compensation.

A PIL was filed by activist Prakash Sheth, seeking compensation for the families of Himmatbhai Gadiya and Bhupatbhai Navadiya from Mira Road, Baburam Das from Bhyander (east) and Lalchand Ahuja from Ulhasnagar, who were killed in blasts at Opera House and Zaveri Bazaar. Under the Central scheme, the legal heirs of the deceased are entitled to receive Rs 3 lakh as compensation.

The court asked the state to disburse compensation to the four families and others similarly placed. The court asked the government to file a reply stating whether there were similar cases entitled to the benefit of the Central scheme that were stranded as the government had not granted the necessary sanction to the collectors.

The court reminded the state government that granting compensation to the families of the victims of terror attacks was not an act of grace on its part but its duty. “It appears that they (state government) want to give help,” remarked Justice Oka, adding that they were obligated to disburse compensations.

Lawyer Rajeshwar Panchal, who filed a PIL, told the court that the compensation given to the deceased and injured needed to be enhanced based on the formula under the Motor Vehicle Act.

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