Woman seeks Rs.1 million over son's death

Unhappy over the "meagre" compensation provided by Delhi High Court over the death of her son due to poor quality roads, a woman has decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking Rs.1 million as compensation.

The high court Tuesday directed the Delhi government to pay Rs.628,000 within eight weeks to Madhu Kaur whose 24-year-old son Harpreet died after falling into a pit while riding a scooter in the city in 2006.

"We welcome the court's order but the compensation amount is quite less. I will soon approach the apex court for increasing the amount to Rs.1 million besides a government job for Harpreet's younger brother and a house," Kaur told IANS.

According to Kaur, Harpreet was the sole bread earner of the family. His father is not keeping well since his death three years back.

"No amount of money can bring my son back but we are going through a very bad phase because Harpreet was supporting the family. His brother has left the studies due to money crunch. I have fought the case for three years and will continue to battle for justice," said Kaur.

Criticising the authorities for not maintaining Delhi's roads, the high court said: "Loss of life because of negligence of state instrumentalities results in violation of right to life and liberty under section 21 of the Indian constitution.

"The authorities should be conscious and aware of their duty to maintain roads and ensure that the road surface does not have any pit so as to cause accidents, resulting in injuries and even loss of life," it said.

In the petition, Kaur had said that her son was riding a scooter with his brother on the pillion. The two-wheeler ran into a pit on the road near the Army Base Hospital at Naraina, resulting in fatal injuries.

She blamed the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and sought compensation.

Manohar Singh Bakshi, Kaur's lawyer, said: "We will get a copy of the judgement by Thursday and will approach the Supreme Court soon."

The Delhi government declined to comment saying they were yet to receive a copy of the judgement.

Last updated on Jul 8^th, 2009 at 23:14 pm IST--IANS