Chhattisgarh High Court Directs Jashpur Collector to Decide on Widow's Compensation Plea Within 45 Days
The Chhattisgarh High Court has issued a significant directive, ordering the Jashpur district collector to decide within 45 days on a long-pending compensation plea filed by a widow, Sanjho Bai. Her husband, Ramnath Nagvanshi, was killed in a 1992 police encounter that was later determined to be fake. This ruling brings renewed hope for justice in a case that has languished for decades.
Court's Directive and Timeline for Action
Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi issued this directive on March 16 while disposing of a writ petition filed by Sanjho Bai, a resident of Dhegurjor village in Jashpur. The petitioner had approached the court seeking a time-bound decision on her representation dated September 24, 2024. The high court granted the petitioner 15 days to submit a fresh copy of her application along with the court order to the district administration. Subsequently, the collector must decide on the matter within 45 days of receiving these documents, ensuring a swift resolution to this prolonged legal battle.
Background of the Tragic Incident and Allegations
In her petition, Sanjho Bai alleged that her husband, Ramnath Nagvanshi, a social worker and vegetable trader, was killed in a police encounter by personnel from the Kansabel police station on March 26, 1992. He was falsely labelled a Naxalite, but subsequent inquiries indicated he had no links to insurgent activities, rendering the killing unlawful. Despite repeated representations over the years, no action or compensation was provided, leading to immense mental harassment and hardship for the widow.
The petitioner has demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation, a fair investigation into the alleged fake encounter, and accountability for the officials involved. This case highlights the severe consequences of state inaction in addressing grievances related to police misconduct.
Previous Legal Proceedings and Convictions
On June 11, 2002, a sessions court convicted the then station house officer, HR Aharwat, under Section 304-I of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, five other police personnel were convicted under Section 323/34 of the IPC. Following these convictions, Sanjho Bai moved an application before the Jashpur collector for compensation. However, the plea remained pending for years, prompting the recent legal challenge that culminated in the high court's directive.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring timely justice for victims of state excesses and sets a precedent for handling similar cases of delayed compensation.
