Delhi HC expressed its displeasure over the failure of the DDA to compensate the families of people who died while cleaning sewers.

Case: Court on its motion v Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Ors
Bench: Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court expressed its displeasure over the failure of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to compensate the families of two people who died while cleaning sewers in Mundka, outer Delhi. The bench termed the DDA’s attitude completely unsympathetic.

During the hearing, the DDA's counsel informed the bench that it is not the civic body's responsibility to pay compensation, but rather the Delhi government.

On October 6, the HC directed the DDA to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased. Today, the bench was told that only ₹1 lakh has been paid by the Delhi government to each family.

The government's counsel told the court that this compensation is not based on the decision of the Supreme Court in the Safai Karamchari Andolan case, but on a cabinet decision of March 5, 2020.

BACKGROUND

The 32-year-old Rohit Chandiliya died on September 9 while clearing sewers. While trying to save Chandiliya, Ashok, 30, a security guard posted nearby, also died.

The HC took suo motu cognizance of the incident.

HELD

The HC gave the DDA fifteen days to pass an appropriate order. The Delhi government was given time to release the remaining ₹9 lakh each to the families.

The matter will now be heard on December 2.