High Court Mandates Chandigarh Administration to Disburse Relief in Carmel Convent School Tragedy
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive for the Chandigarh Administration to release compensation to the victims of the tragic tree collapse at Carmel Convent School. This order comes nearly six months after the initial ruling, with the court emphasizing that the payment must proceed even as an appeal challenging the award remains pending.
Court's Firm Stance on Compensation Release
A Division Bench comprising Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Rohit Kapoor has explicitly ordered the UT Administration to make the payments "in terms of the order of the Single Judge". The Bench clarified that this disbursement "shall remain subject to outcome of the appeal", ensuring that the legal process continues while providing immediate relief to the affected families. The compensation amounts include Rs 1 crore for the father of a deceased student and Rs 50 lakh for a girl who lost her arm in the incident.
Background and Legal Proceedings
The case dates back to September 29, 2025, when Justice Kuldeep Tiwari held the UT Administration liable for negligence, rejecting its defence that the mishap was an "act of God". The court admonished the Administration for showing "a lack of empathy and sensitivity" in resisting the compensation claim. Following this judgment, the parents initiated separate contempt of court proceedings, alleging that the compensation had not been disbursed despite a legal notice issued on January 30, 2026.
The UT Administration filed an appeal questioning the scope of writ jurisdiction, the grant of compensation, and the specified quantum. The Bench has issued notice in this appeal and an application to condone the delay, with the next hearing scheduled for May 5. Advocate Ramdeep Partap Singh has accepted the notice on behalf of the parents.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Battle
This order underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring timely justice for victims, particularly in cases involving public safety and administrative negligence. The Chandigarh Administration's failure to implement the inquiry committee's recommendation for compensation has been highlighted as a critical issue. As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on the welfare of the affected students and their families, with the court's directive serving as a reminder of the Administration's responsibilities in such tragedies.
