New Delhi:
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict on compensation to the victims of the 1997 Uphaar cinema tragedy today.
Fifty-nine people had died and over 100 were injured when there was a big fire at Uphaar cinema hall, in the heart of south Delhi, while a film was being screened on the evening of June 13, 1997. The fire started in the parking lot and then engulfed the building in the busy Green Park area - most people died in the ensuing stampede or were asphyxiated.
In 2003, the Delhi High Court awarded compensation of Rs 18.5 crores to be paid - Rs 18 lakh to the next of kin of each victim above 20 years of age; Rs 15 lakh for victims below 20 years of age; and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured. The court ordered that this be paid with nine per cent interest.
Of the total compensation amount, Rs 2.5 crores were to be paid by the Ansal Theatre and Clubotels (P) Ltd (ATCL) to the Union of India towards setting up a trauma centre in Delhi. Of the remaining Rs 16 crore, the court ruled that 55 per cent be paid by ATCL which owns the Uphaar cinema and 15 per cent each be paid by the Delhi Vidyut Board, Deputy Commissioner Police (Licensing) and the Municipal Corporation of Department
The Ansal brothers, who own ATCL had challenged the High Court order in the Supreme Court in 2004, following which the apex court issued interim orders for the payment of 50 per cent of the compensation.
Today, the Supreme Court will deliver verdict on whether the compensation awarded ordered by the High Court holds or not.