Rajneeta vs Union Of India And 2 Others

Heard Mohd. Iliyas, counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner, Mr. Vivek Kumar Singh, counsel appearing on behalf of the Union of India and Mr. K.K. Singh, Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the State respondents.

In the present writ petition, the petitioner has been running from pillar to post for receiving the additional compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- payable to acid attack victims under the Prime Minister National Relief Fund.

Upon perusal of the documents, it appears that by a letter dated September 3, 2024, the Under Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Women Safety Division, New Delhi has written to the District Magistrate, Meerut to provide specific responses in the enclosed proforma along with legible copy of the medical report and the first information report of the acid attack upon the petitioner and one more victim.

Counsel on behalf of the State respondents submits that he has no instructions in the matter.

It appears that in spite of letter written by the Union of India, no response has been sent by the District Magistrate, Meerut. We find the situation to be extremely alarming as the case is with regard to compensation to the victim of an acid attack.

It is to be noted that the incident of acid attack had taken place in the year 2013 and certain compensation was received by the petitioner. However, it is clear from the records that the cost of the surgeries and medical assistance required by the petitioner is far above the compensation provided to the petitioner. In light of the same, it becomes imperative to direct the authorities to ensure that the additional compensation to be provided by the Union of India should be handed over to the petitioner at the earliest.

The present lackadaisical approach of the District Magistrate, Meerut clearly indicates incompetency and lack of compassion. Authorities are required to fulfill their primary duty to serve the people, especially ones who have been disabled by egregious acts of violence as in the present case. We would expect far more alacrity and empathy to be shown by State officials. The State Government is, accordingly, directed to issue a circular to all the District Magistrates to ensure that delay of such nature is not repeated in future. The Registrar (Compliance) of this Court is directed to communicate this order to the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of U.P., Lucknow.

With regard to the present case, the District Magistrate, Meerut is directed to ensure compliance of the letter dated September 3, 2024 within a period of one week from date. Upon such compliance being made, the Department concerned in the Union of India is directed to act on a war footing and thereafter make payment of additional compensation to the petitioner within six weeks from the date of receipt of documents from the District Magistrate, Meerut.

With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of.

Let this order be also communicated by the Registrar (Compliance) of this Court to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Women Safety Division, Government of India, New Delhi and the District Magistrate, Meerut.