The Supreme Court today directed Railways to approach competent authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for recovery of losses suffered by it due to disruption of rail movements in the two states in the wake of the Mirchpur violence in 2010.
The court order came after it was told that till now no claim has been made for recovery of Rs 40 crore from Uttar Pradesh and Rs 33 crore from Haryana for the loss caused to Railways due to agitations in the two states.
A bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and V Gopala Gowda directed the competent authority of Railways to lodge claim within two weeks before Haryana's claims commissioner who will decide the issue within next four weeks "by passing speaking order".
In case of Uttar Pradesh, since it was not clear whether the claims commissioner has been appointed or not, the bench said, the Railways should lodge the claim within two weeks before the Chief Secretary who will pass the order within next four weeks.
The apex court said due to disruption of rail movements, the Railways suffered a huge loss and "they need to pay compensation to persons who booked goods for transportation".
The bench said it was compelled to pass such directions and have to monitor the developments as in many cases public authorities fail to do the needful warranting the court's interference.
"There has been cases of recovery running into Rs 100 crore. Let's not be a mute spectator," the bench said referring to several incidents of violence and blockade during agitations causing huge loss to the exchequer.
It said the states cannot pass the buck for such losses to the Centre as law and order is a state subject and it's the duty of state government to take responsible action.
