Taj Group to defend compensation case from terror attack victim

William Pike, petitioner, was paralysed in aftermath of attack on Taj

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) the operator of Taj Mahal, Mumbai hotel has expressed “disappointment” over the decision of the English High Court to hear a compensation claim of two guests for the 26/11 terror attack.

William Pike, the petitioner was paralysed in the aftermath of the attack and was allowed to seek compensation under a negligence case against the hotel on Thursday.

IHCL has called the decision of the Royal Courts of Justice as a “purely procedural” decision. The acceptance of jurisdiction by the English court was made without any detailed consideration of the merits of the claim, a statement issued by the company said.

It further added, “This great Indian tragedy in which many staff and guests were killed or injured was not the fault of the hotel owners and management and the claim will continue to be vigorously defended. Many of our brave staff will give evidence at the trial. We do not consider it appropriate to make any further comment at this time.”

The company has also talked about the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust Fund which was set up to provide relief to those affected by the attack, including Pike. “Mr. William Pike has already been the beneficiary from this Trust. This Trust fund has been further extended to cover relief to victims of sudden acts of violence, natural disasters and other tragic events that inflict damage to life and property,” IHCL said.