Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: In a suo-moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding less compensation to the security personnel and others losing lives in the terrorist activities, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Alok Aradhe today directed the State to file response before March 22.
When this matter was taken up, Senior Additional Advocate Generals Seema Shekhar and Wasim Sadiq Nargal appearing for the State submitted that in terms of SRO-199 dated July 4, 2008 if a civilian is killed in militancy related action, in lieu of compassionate appointment, the dependent of the family of the deceased can claim compensation even if no one is eligible to seek compassionate appointment.
They said that as per Cabinet decision a sum of Rs 2 lakh which was already fixed as ex-gratia was enhanced to Rs 5 lakh in respect of next of kin of security forces personnel killed in operations who are permanent residents of the Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi appearing for the petitioners argued that the ex-gratia compensation has increased considerably in all other States and the Government may also consider the compensation amount for enhancement substantially. On this aspect, State Counsel sought time to file response.
After hearing Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi with Advocate Ankesh Chandel appearing for the PIL whereas Senior AAGs Seema Shekhar and WS Nargal appearing for the State and ASGI Sindu Sharma appearing for the Union of India, the DB directed the State to file response before March 22.
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