New Delhi: Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on Thursday that the victims of communal riots and families of those killed in such incidents will get immediate compensation under a law awaiting Parliamentary approval.
Those found guilty of communal riots were punished under the existing criminal justice system but what about victims who may have lost a limb or otherwise incapacitated or the families of those killed in communal flare-ups, questioned Patil in a Dalit and Minorities international conference, organised by Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in New Delhi.
The Minister said a dead or injured person or a victim whose property has been burnt or damaged in communal riots – these could be ascertained instantly. As a result, monetary assistance can reach them promptly.
In the measure, Government has proposed that those indulging in communal disturbances should face double the punishment stipulated in the existing legal provisions.
Central and State officials who were found wanting in the discharge of their duties in such situations would also suffer the consequences, Patil said.
The measure also provides for setting up of special courts for expediting hearing of such cases and a special investigation team to carry out the task.
The legislation on communal harmony has been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee for approval.
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