THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 26: In a significant development concerning the long-standing issue of compensation for victims of the November 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to promptly submit the report of the one-man commission investigating the case.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 8, where the government will be expected to provide a detailed report on the commission’s findings, along with updates on any pending compensatory measures.
The directive came during the court hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Satnam Singh Gambhir, which seeks not only compensation for those affected by the riots but also stringent monitoring of ongoing criminal cases related to the Sikh community.
Concerns over delays in report submission
Satnam Singh Gambhir, who is at the forefront of this legal battle, expressed the court’s dissatisfaction with the delay in submitting the commission’s report. “The report is crucial as it will clarify the number of victims who have received compensation and those who are still awaiting justice,” Gambhir stated in court.
The bench, underscoring the importance of transparency in the compensation process, directed the state government to provide a detailed update on the status of the report at the earliest.
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Commission’s role and Govt’s stand
The one-man commission, headed by retired Justice DP Singh, was constituted by the High Court to investigate the events surrounding the 1984 Sikh riots. The commission’s mandate included evaluating the extent of the atrocities, identifying the victims, and recommending appropriate compensation measures.
According to government officials, the commission submitted its report to the state government, which has been acting upon its recommendations. However, the report has yet to be formally presented before the court.
Compensation provided to 39 victims
In the previous hearing, the state government had informed the court that the compensation process was nearing completion. Out of the 41 victims identified and recommended by the commission, compensation had reportedly been disbursed to 39 individuals.
The commission had specifically directed the state government to ensure compensation payments for victims in four districts – Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, and Palamu – where the impact of the riots was most severe.
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High Court’s order reinforces accountability
The case has attracted significant public attention, with many advocacy groups emphasizing the need for a transparent and expeditious resolution to ensure that all victims receive the justice and support they deserve.
Legal experts have pointed out that the delay in submitting the report not only hampers the accountability process but also leaves lingering questions about the comprehensive coverage of the compensation scheme.
The High Court’s order comes as a welcome move by those seeking redress for the 1984 Sikh riots, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to holding the government accountable for its promises to the affected communities.
This directive by the Jharkhand High Court is being closely watched by the Sikh community and human rights advocates alike. It underscores the enduring quest for justice for the victims of one of the most traumatic events in India’s recent history and serves as a reminder of the state’s responsibility to address historical injustices through effective policy implementation and diligent oversight.
