New Delhi:
The Supreme Court has ordered an interim relief of Rs.5.1 crore to the dependents and victims of Uphaar cinema tragedy.
Ansals have agreed to pay Rs 3 crore and Delhi police have paid Rs. 2.14 crore as an interim relief to the victims.
The apex court has directed the Registrar General of Delhi High Court for immediate disbursement of the relief money. This is only an interim relief as the court reserved its judgement on the actual compensation to be paid.
When Ansals told the court that they were willing to pay Rs 1 crore for AIIMS Trauma Fund as goodwill gesture, the court shot back and said, "We are impressed with your offer. You are trying to gain sympathy of the court." The apex court has rejected Ansals offer of Rs 1 crore to AIIMS.
The victims association reacted angrily to Ansals offer saying they don't need any charity from Ansals and they should stop intimidating witnesses and tampering with court records.
In November the Supreme Court had directed disbursement of over Rs 3 crore to the victims as an interim relief.
In 1997, 59 people had died in Uphaar cinema tragedy in Delhi and 103 others were injured. Delhi High Court had ordered payment of compensation of Rs 11 crore. This was challenged in the apex court which has reserved its verdict.
The verdict is also likely to lay down guidelines to prevent Uphaar like tragedies in future.