Law Ministry for Fatal Incidents Claims Tribunals

Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran said the Supreme Court in the Uphaar fire case suggested setting up of special courts to deal with man-made disasters.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs wrote to MHA in July suggesting setting up of Fatal Incidents Claims Tribunals by bringing a legislation, he said, adding inter-ministerial consultations are being done on the issue.

"We have to take everybody in confidence before finalising such a legislation," Ramachandran said.

The claims for compensation are pursued in civil courts at present, which is a time consuming process, he said.

"The Law Ministry has suggested that in respect of fatal incidents arising due to fire, storage of dangerous, hazardous, inflammable, poisonous substances/materials etc, a legislation may be considered and Fatal Incidents Claims Tribunals may be set up," he said.

While dealing with the case of Uphaar fire tragedy victims, the Supreme Court had suggested that the Government may consider bringing a legislation to deal with tort claims for violation of fundamental rights by the State and its instrumentalities.

Since explosives and hazardous substance concerns other ministries, "the proposal needs to be examined in consultation with other ministries," he said adding the government would take a decision in the matter after thorough examination.

The Uphaar cinema fire tragedy in Delhi in 1997 had claimed 59 lives.