NHRC recommends about Rs. 28 crores to the families of victims of Punjab mass cremation
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended a total of Rs. 27,94,000,00/- as monetary relief to the next of kin of 1513 deceased whose bodies were identified out of 2097 bodies in Punjab mass cremation case. This case was remitted to the Commission by the Supreme Court vide its order dated 12th December, 1996 with the following observations:-
"We request the Commission through its Chairman to have the matter examined in accordance with law and determine all the issues which are raised before the Commission by the learned counsel for the parties.
Since the matter is going to be examined by the Commission at the request of this court, any compensation awarded by the Commission shall be binding and payable."
Since then, the Commission heard the matter from time to time and also constituted two Commissions of enquiry under Justice K.S. Bhalla and Mr. D.S. Bains, IAS respectively to identify the dead bodies. However, despite the best efforts of the Commission, 532 bodies could not be identified.
"We request the Commission through its Chairman to have the matter examined in accordance with law and determine all the issues which are raised before the Commission by the learned counsel for the parties.
Since the matter is going to be examined by the Commission at the request of this court, any compensation awarded by the Commission shall be binding and payable."
Since then, the Commission heard the matter from time to time and also constituted two Commissions of enquiry under Justice K.S. Bhalla and Mr. D.S. Bains, IAS respectively to identify the dead bodies. However, despite the best efforts of the Commission, 532 bodies could not be identified.