The Madras High Court has directed the government to file a counter-affidavit in two weeks stating the relief and rehabilitation measures taken for Dalit families in Kolliruppu village in Cuddalore district whose huts were set afire on November 26 last year.
The First Bench consisting of the Chief Justice S.K.Kaul and Justice M.M.Sundresh passed the order on a writ petition by D.Ashok Kumar, an advocate.
The petitioner said more than 30 persons of another community set fire to seven huts. Rajapandiyan, pursuing a degree course, suffered extensive burns and had to be hospitalised. The same day, Sivalingam, preferred a complaint against the miscreants and a case had been registered.
The affected families were on the streets. The District Collector and the Superintendent of Police visited the place and provided a set of dhoti and saree, rice, kerosene and Rs.5000 to each of the victim families. However, no action had been taken to provide shelter, water and medical aid. Monetary relief for the damage to household articles and other valuables had not been provided.
The Government Pleader submitted that police was investigating the incident. The Bench said the status report should be filed.
