HC tells Rly to settle claim of handicapped student by Apr 30

Hearing a petition filed by Shaikh Roshan Jahan Jawhad Ahmed, Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Anoop Mohata asked the Tribunal to decide the petitioner's claim before April 30.

The Western Railway has been directed to file its reply before the Tribunal by February 15.

Lawyer for the petitioner, V P Patil, said they should be given liberty to apply for more compensation as the claim for Rs four lakh was too meagre.

The Court allowed the lawyer to amend the claim petition by January 31 to seek more compensation.

The petitioner alleged that she had filed a claim before the Tribunal in April 2009. However, the claim has not been settled as of now. On nine occasions, the matter was adjourned to enable the Railways file a reply.

The delay caused was unnecessary and the matter should be expedited, the petitioner urged.

The petitioner said she secured admission in MBBS in handicapped category after the high court directed the authorities. She had stood third in merit list from Mumbai in handicapped category. Now, she has passed first MBBS examination in first class.

On October 7, 2008, the petitioner met with accident between Andheri and Jogeshwari stations losing both legs.