Devi Meenakshi v. The Principal Secretary To Government Of Tamil Nadu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 04.06.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY Devi Meenakshi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Principal Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Secretariat, Chennai.

2.The District Collector, Madurai.

3.The Superintendent of Police, Madurai.

4.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Melur, Madurai.

5.The Inspector of Police, Melur Police Station, Madurai District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 2 to provide victim compensation to the petitioner by considering her representation dated 30.10.2023.

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For Petitioner : Mr.P.Ganapathi Subramanian For Respondent : Mr.M.Lingadurai - for R1 and R2 Special Government Pleader Mr.M.Aasha - for R3 to R5 Government Advocate

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed seeking Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 2 to provide victim compensation to the petitioner by considering her representation dated 30.10.2023.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that when the petitioner's husband went to fetch drinking water, accidentally he fell in the Lake and died. A FIR in Crime No.648 of 2022 was registered. He seeks victim compensation for the death of her husband as per G.O.No.268, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, dated 18.08.2017. The petitioner has made a representation to the second respondent dated 30.10.2023. Since the same was not considered, the present Writ Petition came to be filed.

3. Learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 and 2 would submit that the FIR in Crime No.648 of 2022 has been dropped, after investigation.

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4. Eventhough, the FIR has been dropped after investigation, the fact remains that the petitioner's husband died in the Lake by drowning and therefore, the petitioner is entitled to compensation. In case of any such acident, the petitioner is entitled to compensation as per G.O.No.268, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, dated 18.08.2017. In fact, the Government has also passed subsequent orders increasing the victim compensation.

5. In view of the above, the second respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.10.2023 in the light of the G.O.No.268, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, dated 18.08.2017 and any other subsequent G.O., passed by the Government and grant victim compensation to the petitioner for the death of her husband. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of twelve(12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With this direction, this Writ Petition is allowed. No costs. 04.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No pnn 3/4

S.SRIMATHY, J.

pnn To 1.The Principal Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Secretariat, Chennai.

2.The District Collector, Madurai.

3.The Superintendent of Police, Madurai.

4.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Melur, Madurai.

5.The Inspector of Police, Melur Police Station, Madurai District.

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