“Abysmal” Compensation for Morbi Bridge victims: Gujarat HC

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat High Court on Thursday expressed extreme displeasure over compensation given to victims of Morbi Bridge collapse. The court said the compensation given by the Gujarat government to the families of those who died in the Morbi bridge collapse is “abysmal”.

It also came down on the Gujarat government for the compensation amount given to the injured in the accident. The court said the compensation should be realistic.

More than a century-old hanging bridge on the Machchu river called Morbi Bridge collapsed on October 30 killing over 130 people.

The court felt Rs 3,000 per month to the orphans of the accident was too less. It remarked that this amount will not be able to cover even the cost of uniforms and books.  Seven children became orphans due to this accident and 12 children lost one of their parents.

The court added that the state government should at least double the compensation or give at least Rs 10 lakh. Gujarat High Court ordered the state government to furnish the details of those who were dependent on the victims of the accident.

Gujarat government will also have to file a detailed affidavit regarding the policy to properly compensate those who were affected by the accident.