Rajasthan:  HC condemns govt over compensation to fire victims without logic

The state government of Rajasthan came under fire from the Rajasthan high court for compensating victims who perished and were injured in a fire that followed a gas cylinder explosion at Bhungra in Jodhpur last month without justification or logic.

It asked whether a fixed sum should be given in all such cases or can the state settle on any amount regardless of the cause and nature of the deaths or accidents that too when there is no negligence on its part.

After the cylinder explosion on December 8 that started the protests, a fire broke out in Bhungra, killing 35 people. The demonstrators sought the highest level of compensation and government employment for the surviving family members of the deceased. Later, the state consented to provide 17 lakh compensation and jobs.

Sandeep Mehta and Kuldeep Mathur, two justices on a division bench of the high court, received the case after a single bench judge of that court took cognizance of it.

“The affidavit shall also indicate as to whether there exists any policy or guidelines for grant of compensation or jobs in the event of such accidents more particularly when the state’s negligence or involvement is completely absent.”

The single judge bench said uncertainty regarding the disbursement of the compensation and the quantum from the state coffers, which belong to the public, is a matter of concern. “…there seems to be no policy or guidelines on the basis whereof the funds of the state are being disbursed and jobs conferred.”

The bench said a large number of similar incidents have taken place and corresponding compensation paid also merits attention. It said the compensation needs to be paid judiciously and equitably.

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