HC directed state to file reply on enquiry of the victimes of deluge

Mumbai, Oct 18 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the state to file a reply on the status of enquiry on the cause of deaths listed, rehabilitation of the victims of the deluge and compensation to the relatives of the dead.

A division bench, comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde, was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Project Smita, contending that not all the people had died due to drowning during the deluge last year but due to the diseases that spread later. Also many people who were not eligible had been compensated.

While the court had ordered an enquiry in March about the status of missing persons, death causes, relief, compensation and rehabilitation for the victims, the state was supposed to file a reply by April 19. The government pleader had sought time then but had still not filed the same as per directions.

The court held that if the reply was not filed by November 22, the Secretary of State for Relief and Rehabilitation would have to personally remain present in court on that date.

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