The Delhi High Court on Monday sought a progress report from the office of the North-East Delhi Riots Claims Commission (NEDRCC), regarding the claims received from victims and the amounts disbursed to them, if any.
A single bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh was hearing the matter.
The bench ordered the Secretary of the Claims Commission to document the processes used in processing claims applications and awarding compensation.
“Let a status report be placed on record within four weeks.”
The bench was hearing a bunch of applications from riot victims seeking compensation under the Delhi Government’s “Assistance Program for the Relief of Riot Victims.” Several of the petitioners are seeking more compensation.
The Delhi government established the aid plan to pay and help riot victims. It offers compensation for a major or minor’s death, lifelong incapacity, significant or minor injuries, and property loss.
Counsel for the petitioners contended that the Claims Commission’s office had undertaken surveys in some of the instances, and the amounts granted were significantly less than those set by the Delhi government’s programme.
Attorney Karuna Nundy, appearing for one of the petitioners, stated that the petitioner is seeking increased compensation and is dissatisfied with the allocation of ex gratia compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs for the two children who perished during the riots.
She claimed that the compensation received was inadequate and that an extra amount of Rs. 5 lakhs was required.
The Delhi government’s standing counsel, Samir Vashisht, on the other hand stated that the Claims Commission has been reviewing the claims and that a status report may be requested for detailed data on the applications’ development thus far.
Given that the petitioners face a variety of financial restrictions, Justice Singh suggested that the Claims Commission handle the cases as quickly as possible.
The bench further stated that before moving to hear the petitions, it would be prudent to get a status report to see what the Claims Commission has done with the victims’ applications.
“I want to observe what the commission is doing before proceeding to hear the issue,” the bench remarked and listed the matter for further hearing on April 28, 2023.
