HC orders compensation to dead child's parents

Kochi, Apr 7 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the State Government to grant compensation of Rs five lakh to the parents of Ibin Antony, a deaf and dumb child who died due to lack of timely medical attention at the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School at Jagathy in Thiruvananthapuram.

Mr Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan also directed payment of interest at six per cent from July six 2000, in addition to the compensation amount.

The judge noted that there was negligence on the part of the school authorities, including the matron and the principal, in giving timely medical attention to the child who had fallen from the terrace of the school hostel on July six, 2000.

The court observed the government had failed to discharge its constitutional obligation in ensuring that the petitioner's son's fundamental right to life was not breached.

The writ petition was filed by Mr P V Antony, father of Ibin Antony.

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