Allahabad High Court Mandates Timely Compensation for Kumbh Mela Stampede Victim's Family
In a significant judicial intervention, the Allahabad High Court has issued a firm directive to the Commission of Inquiry and the Kumbh Mela Authority, compelling them to finalize the compensation claim of a Maha Kumbh Mela stampede victim's husband within a strict 30-day timeframe. This order comes as a decisive rejection of the state government's plea for further delays, which was contingent upon the completion of the commission's final report.
Court Rejects State's Delay Request and Sets Deadline
The court has explicitly instructed the mela authority and the commission to expedite the processing of the claim submitted by the husband of the deceased, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during the stampede. Emphasizing urgency, the bench mandated that this must be accomplished within 30 days, underscoring the importance of timely relief for the grieving family.
Judicial Warning Against Non-Compliance
Hearing a writ petition filed by Uday Pratap Singh, a division bench comprising Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Swarupama Chaturvedi delivered a stern warning. They cautioned that any failure to comply with this directive would force the court to adopt a serious stance on the matter, potentially leading to further legal repercussions for the authorities involved.
Background of Government Apathy and Previous Court Criticisms
This latest order builds upon previous judicial reprimands directed at the Uttar Pradesh government. On June 6 last year, a vacation bench of the High Court had strongly criticized the state over delays in disbursing ex gratia payments to the families of stampede victims. The court had at that time described the government's conduct as "untenable and reflective of apathy to the plight of the citizens."
Furthermore, the bench had emphasized that once the government announces compensation, it becomes its "bounden duty" to ensure that payments are made promptly and with dignity. This principle has now been reinforced through the current directive, highlighting the judiciary's commitment to upholding citizens' rights and holding authorities accountable.
The court's actions underscore a broader judicial effort to address bureaucratic inefficiencies and ensure that victims' families receive the support they are entitled to without unnecessary hindrances.
