CHENNAI
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday awarded a compensation of ₹1 lakh to each of the five persons of a fact-finding team, who were illegally arrested by Tirunelveli police in 2010.
During an open hearing before the full bench, led by Justice H.L. Dattu here, the case filed by complainants Devika Prasad and Henri Tiphagne was taken up. Mr. Henri argued that the compensation suggested was not sufficient. The five persons were arrested by Veeravanallur police in Tiruneveli district in 2010.
However, Justice Dattu said it was in the best wisdom of the Commission that the quantum of compensation was decided and further hoped that the Chief Secretary would also accept it. Director General of Police J.K. Tripathy was also present during the hearing.
When Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam attempted to give an explanation, the Commission said it did not want any explanation but sought to know whether the State government was prepared to accept the quantum of compensation to the victims. Mr. Shanmugam said the five persons had “impersonated”.
Despite attempts by Mr. Tiphagne for an enhanced compensation, Justice Dattu said, “We can’t help it”, and went on to fix the compensation at ₹1 lakh to each of the affected persons.
