THE CALCUTTA High Court on Thursday directed the TMC government in the state to “remunerate and restore” all parties whose lives and properties were affected during the clashes in Murshidabad last month during protests over the Waqf law.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation in connection with the violence that broke out between April 8 and 12 in the Jangipur subdivision of Murshidabad, leading to the deaths of three persons, including a father-son duo.
A division bench of Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury said, “Compensating the victims by giving each of them Rs 1.20 lakh under the scheme ‘Banglar Bari’ may not do justice to all as the damaged and destroyed houses, differing in size and constructional features, do not admit of uniform financial salve.”
The bench, in its order, also urged the state to consider appeals by local residents for a permanent Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the area and asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to “continue investigating the issue to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The SIT should follow recommendations of a report filed by a three-member committee in the matter, the court said. “It appears from the report that, presently, the victims are not acutely dissatisfied with the relief measures but they are anxious about their meaningful existence in view of their sufferings. We are sure that the state shall take note of such anxiety expressed by the victims and take appropriate measures in this regard. Their demand for a permanent BSF camp in the affected areas shall also be considered.”
The committee has also said in the report that valuation experts be appointed as a remedy to the state’s failure to protect a section of its citizens. “In the humble opinion of the Committee, appointing qualified valuation experts is the only possible remedy to the state’s failure to protect a section of its citizens. Those in the affected areas need individualised and customised rehabilitation packages…”
The court has also directed the committee to appoint a valuer to assess the nature and extent of the damage. “Considering the nature and extent of the damage caused, we direct the committee to appoint a valuer at the earliest from the panel of the High Court at Calcutta who shall assess the nature and extent of damage and file a report on the adjourned date. All costs, charges and expenses and remuneration shall be borne by the administration. The District Magistrate shall render all assistance to the valuer to carry out the direction.”
The court said the committee report revealed that the violence was premeditated. “It appears to be an organised crime.The SIT shall consider the said recommendation of the committee and take appropriate steps in this regard. The SIT shall file a report on or before the adjourned date.”
The matter will now be listed for hearing on July 31.