High Court orders Maharashtra to pay Rs 6 lakh for pothole deaths

MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Monday directed that in case of death caused by potholes or open manholes, municipal corporations and other state authorities shall pay Rs 6 lakh compensation to legal heirs of the deceased. Likewise, for injury, it shall pay compensation ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh, depending on the nature and gravity of the injury, reports Rosy Sequeira .

The judges said refusing compensation “would amount to rendering mere lip service to the citizens’ fundamental right to safe roads, a right which has been grossly violated.”

“Needless to state, this is independent of, and in addition to, the remedies available to an aggrieved party under any other law,” clarified Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh Patil. They passed the order in a July 2013 suo motu PIL on the “pathetic condition” of Mumbai roads and fatal injuries due to potholes. The judges said the compensation would serve as a wake-up call for agencies.