The Tamil Nadu government has finally sanctioned the release of long-pending compensation amounting to ₹2.59 crore for the families of 38 victims who suffered alleged atrocities during the massive operation to capture the notorious forest brigand Veerappan. This decisive action comes directly on the heels of the Madras High Court expressing strong displeasure over the inordinate delay and warning of initiating contempt proceedings against the state.
Court's Stern Directive Spurs Government Action
On November 4, 2024, a first bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan directed the state administration to immediately disburse the pending compensation. The court's order was passed while hearing an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government itself. The state had challenged an earlier directive from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that ordered a total compensation payment of ₹5 crore to the affected individuals.
Following the court's unambiguous instruction, the government, after a careful examination, decided to comply. In a Government Order (GO) dated November 26, it stated, "The govt, after careful examination, decided to comply with the directions of the high court. Accordingly, sanction is hereby accorded for ₹2.59 crore towards payment of balance compensation to the 38 victims/legal heirs in TN."
A Long-Pending Battle for Justice
The roots of this case trace back to the intense period when a joint Tamil Nadu–Karnataka Special Task Force (STF) was deployed to apprehend Veerappan. During this operation, several serious complaints were lodged before the NHRC. The allegations were grave, including claims that women in hill villages were sexually assaulted and men were subjected to torture under the guise of interrogation by the STF personnel.
Taking cognizance of these complaints, the NHRC ruled in favor of the victims and directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay ₹5 crore as compensation. In partial compliance, the state government had earlier disbursed ₹1.2 crore to the 38 identified victims. However, it contested the NHRC's order to release the remaining ₹3.79 crore, leading to the legal appeal in the High Court.
Closure for Victims After Years of Wait
The recent government sanction for the ₹2.59 crore balance amount marks a significant step towards providing financial closure to the victims' families, who have waited for years. The Madras High Court's intervention proved to be the critical catalyst in breaking the administrative logjam. While the state government's appeal regarding the NHRC's original order may have been a point of legal contention, its decision to now release the funds underscores the authority of the judiciary in upholding human rights and ensuring accountability.
This development brings a measure of resolution to a dark chapter associated with one of India's most prolonged law enforcement operations. It highlights the enduring responsibility of the state towards citizens affected by its actions, regardless of the time elapsed.
