File status report on PIL for special provisions for disaster

The city government was today directed by the Delhi High Court to file a status report on a PIL alleging the government's failure to issue guidelines to provide standards of relief to the people affected by disaster under the Disaster Management Act.
A bench of Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justice Manmohan directed the counsel for Delhi government to file the status report by January 22 on a PIL filed by Gaurav Kumar Bansal, a lawyer, saying it is the fundamental right of the family members of the deceased and injured persons in disasters, including terrorist attacks, to claim all the basic amenities and essentials to live their life in a socially respectful and dignified manner.

Appearing for Centre, Additional Solicitor General Rajeev Mehra told the court that on a similar PIL, the Supreme Court has issued notices to various states and is seized of the matter and the government would like to file its affidavit before that court on the issue.
The petitioner's counsel, however, said Delhi government is not a party before the apex court and this court can seek the city government's affidavit on the issue pertaining to the national capital.
In the plea, Bansal said the Centre, through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as well as the state government are duty-bound to undertake a "holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any disaster situation."

The governments have to issue detailed guidelines for providing standards of relief to persons affected by disaster as per the mandate the Act.