Stray-dog bite: SC warns govt for not compensating

KOCHI: The Supreme Court on Monday warned the state government that it would be punished for contempt of court if compensation for victims of

stray-dog bites

, as determined by the court-appointed committee, is not paid.

Considering a status report filed by the court-appointed committee, a bench comprising chief justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said when the committee has determined the compensation, it has to be paid and the responsibility cannot be shifted by the government.

An interim order issued by the court on Monday stated, “Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, we direct that it would be the obligation of the State to see that the amount determined by the

Siri Jagan Committee

, is strictly complied with. If it is not complied with, the competent authorities of the State shall be liable for contempt of this Court and be adequately punished.” Further, the court directed that the case should be listed for hearing on August 13th to enable senior counsel V Giri, who is representing the government, to file an affidavit pertaining to compliance.

A three-member committee headed by former high court judge

Siri Jagan

was appointed by the apex court in October 2016 to address complaints regarding injuries sustained by citizens from stray-dog bites. A report filed by the committee had stated that its orders for paying compensation in 129 out of 247 incidents have not been implemented. The report also said nine per cent interest ordered by the commission was not paid in 92 cases whereas five claims were only partly implemented.

Advocate VK Biju, who represents Jose Sebastian, whose wife Dolly was mauled to death by stray dogs, and other victims, argued on Monday that all the victims are daily labourers, women, or children and that all of them are poor. Therefore, compensation has to be paid urgently. Opposing this, state government’s counsel argued that compensation have been paid in the cases cited before the court and that only interest remains to be paid.