It's The Sacred Duty Of The Government To Maintain Law And Order: Meghalaya HC [Read Judgment]

Justice SR Sen was considering a petition filed by a man whose father was burnt with petrol by a mob while a movement for implementation of Inner Line permit (ILP) was going on, in the year 2013.

Though the state submitted before the court that an ex-gratia payment to the victim's family at the tune of Rupees one lakh was sufficient because in addition to that, medical expenses was also given at the tune of Rs. 5,38,297, the Judge observed: The victim died for no fault of his as he was sitting in his shop and some goons or miscreants came, poured petrol and set fire to the victim.

Justice Sen also observed that Rupees One Lakh ex-gratia payment as compensation against the death of the victim is not at all sufficient and acceptable because he died due to law and order problem which is supposed to be addressed by the government but they failed to do so. The judge further observed:

"I make it clear that to maintain law and order is the sacred duty of the government and they are to secure safety to each and every citizen of this country. Therefore, they just cannot wash their hands by giving Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One lakh) only and some medical expenses."

The court then directed the government to pay another Rupees Nine Lakhs to the victim's family and not to press for recovery of the medical expenses from the salary of the petitioner.

Read Order