HC grants bail to 4 accused builders

Justice A M Thipsay said that the applicants seem to be liable at least to a certain extent and certain degree, for the loss of lives and the injuries caused to several persons, at the end of the trial.

“It is not that the applicants do not appear to have committed any offence. But the suggestion that the applicants might agree to deposit some reasonable amount so that, in the event of them being found guilty at the conclusion of the trial, this amount would be available to the trial court to meet part of the amount of compensation as might be awarded to the victims,” said Justice Thipsay.

The HC said if the concern for the loss of lives was genuine, the state or the Thane Municipal Corporation should look at formulating a scheme to ensure that the dependents of the persons who died in the collapse are given compensation.

The building that was being constructed illegally without permission from the civic body.

ruhi.bhasin@expressindia.com