The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Punjab Government to pay compensation to the next of kin of 45 more persons who died in police custody in its anti-terror drive during 1984-1994. The Counsel for the State Government of Punjab appeared before the Commission and informed that on scrutiny of record, 45 more deceased have been identified who fall within the parameters of the order of NHRC dated 11 November 2004. In its first order dated 11 November 2004, the Commission had granted a compensation of Rs. 2.5 Lakhs each to the next of kin of 109 persons who admittedly died in police custody. The Commission found the State of Punjab accountable and responsible for the infringement of the right to life of the deceased. Again on 8th March 2006 the Commission granted compensation in respect of 38 more persons. In this regard, the counsel for the state of Punjab informed the Commission that the State Government has already deposited Rs. 95 Lakhs with the Deputy Commissioner concerned as compensation for disbursal to the next of kin of 38 deceased. Out of this, the next of kin of 20 deceased have been paid the amount while the process for disbursal in respect of 18 was on.
Accordingly the Commission has directed the State of Punjab to pay compensation of Rs. 2.5 Lakhs each to the next of kin of 45 deceased. With this, the Commission was so far provided compensation to 194 people.