Today, On 2nd September, The Supreme Court requested responses from five High Courts Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Allahabad, and Madras concerning a suo motu case on the delayed distribution of compensation awarded by tribunals. The case was initiated after a retired Gujarat district court judge alerted the Chief Justice of India about Rs. 2,000 crores in unpaid compensation owed to motor accident victims and labour claimants.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday requested responses from five High Courts regarding a suo motu case addressing lapses in the distribution of compensation awarded by tribunals across India to claimants in motor accident and labor cases.
A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the High Courts of Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Allahabad, and Madras to submit their replies.
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The case initiated recently after a retired Gujarat district court judge sent an email to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, highlighting the issue.
During the hearing, the Court informed that compensation amounts totalling Rs. 2,000 crores, meant for motor accident victims and other beneficiaries as ordered by Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) and Labour Courts in Gujarat, had not yet been disbursed to the beneficiaries.
Previously, the Court sought responses from the Gujarat government and the Gujarat High Court on the matter. The Bench remarked that the delay in distributing compensation seemed to be a widespread issue across the country.
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To address the issue, the Supreme Court appointed Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora as the Amicus Curiae.
In today’s proceedings, Arora suggested that the apex court should begin by issuing directions to the larger High Courts. Consequently, five High Courts have been instructed to submit their responses.
Advocate Vishakha is collaborating with the Amicus Curiae in this case and is representing the Gujarat High Court.
Advocate Deepanwita Priyanka appeared on behalf of the State of Gujarat.