School fire: Panel completes hearing into compensation claim

A one-man commission appointed by the Madras High Court has received submissions seeking Rs 25 lakh compensation each to the families of the 94 children killed in a school fire tragedy here in 2004.
Stating this, Justice K Venkatraman, heading the commission, told reporters here that a compensation of Rs 20 lakh was sought for the 18 children injured in the accident that occurred in Sri Krishna School here on July 16, 2004.
He said he completed the enquiry into the claim for enhanced compensation today and would submit his report to the high court on Mar 31.
The court set up the commission on a plea by the families of victims and the injured seeking enhancement of compensation after the government announced a relief of Rs one lakh.

Petitioners sought a compensation of Rs 25 lakh with interest for the families of every deceased child and Rs 20 lakh for the injured, he said.
Justice Venkatraman said a total of 132 witnesses, including parents and doctors, deposed during the enquiry, which began in January last year. He had 27 sittings.

"I have conducted the enquiry without delay and with satisfaction. I will submit my report to the high court on March 31, 2016," he said.
Complimenting the officials for their cooperation during the hearing, he said advocates on behalf of the petitioners submitted written arguments in support of their claim.

Justice Venkatraman also said he personally had extended financial assistance to four families of victims besides helping some deserving students, who were injured in the mishap, to pursue higher education by paying their fees.