The Gauhati High Court has directed the Chief Secretary of the Assam government to ensure that a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee is held on or before January 30, 2025, to consider the release of grants-in-aid for the implementation of the Assam Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012.
The Division Bench of Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund heard a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding the non-disbursement of compensation under the Assam Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012.
The petitioner-in-person submitted that despite the Assam State Legal Services Authority receiving approximately Rs 44 crore as compensation, only Rs 9 crore had been disbursed to the victims.
The court expressed concern over the gross inadequacy of the annual budget of Rs 9 crore allocated for the scheme, considering the large number of claims made.
The court also noted that the meeting of the Standing Finance Committee, scheduled to be held on November 30, 2024, had not taken place, which may be a deliberate attempt to frustrate the scheme.
The court held that the non-disbursement of compensation under the scheme amounts to interference with the administration of justice.
The court also warned that failure to hold the meeting within the stipulated time may invite initiation of proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 10, 2025.
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