Bombay HC Orders ₹25 Lakh Compensation to NMMC Officer

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra government to pay ₹25 lakh compensation to a pregnant Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) officer who allegedly suffered a miscarriage after being manhandled by a mob during a demolition drive.

The incident occurred on July 30, when NMMC officials were carrying out a demolition drive in Navi Mumbai. Despite seeking police protection, the officials were assaulted and manhandled by a large crowd, and the police personnel present at the site allegedly failed to intervene.

A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata made the observations while hearing a contempt petition filed by Kishor Shetty. The NMMC informed the court that its officials had been assaulted and manhandled while carrying out the demolition drive, and placed video footage and photographs of the incident before the court.

The court expressed shock and disappointment at the failure of the police to protect the officials, stating that it was difficult to accept that public servants could be assaulted in the presence of police personnel deputed to protect them. The court observed that public servants should not be assaulted, intimidated, and coerced by anti-social elements while performing their duty.

The court awarded the officer ₹25 lakh compensation, to be recovered from the salaries of the police personnel who were present at the site and failed to prevent the assault. The court also directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take stern necessary legal action against all personnel who were present but failed to perform their duty.

Additionally, the court directed the Navi Mumbai police to provide round-the-clock protection to another NMMC staffer who was also manhandled and is still receiving threats with dire consequences. The court stated that it is the duty of the police to assist and protect the lives and limbs of public servants performing their duty during demolition drives.

The Bombay High Court's order highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of public servants while they perform their duties. The court's directive to take action against the police personnel who failed to protect the officials is a significant step towards holding those responsible accountable.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public servants in Maharashtra, particularly during demolition drives. The state government and the police department will need to take measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

The Bombay High Court's order is a welcome move towards protecting the rights of public servants and ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. The court's directive to provide compensation to the affected officer and to take action against the police personnel who failed to protect her is a significant step towards delivering justice and upholding the rule of law.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's order in this case is a significant development that highlights the importance of protecting the safety and security of public servants. The order is a welcome move towards ensuring that public servants can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation, and that those responsible for failing to protect them are held accountable.

The Maharashtra government and the police department will need to take measures to implement the court's order and to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. This includes providing adequate training and resources to police personnel to enable them to effectively protect public servants during demolition drives, as well as taking disciplinary action against those who fail to perform their duty.

Ultimately, the Bombay High Court's order is a significant step towards upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of public servants in Maharashtra. It is hoped that the order will have a positive impact on the safety and security of public servants in the state, and that it will serve as a deterrent to those who would seek to intimidate or harm them while they perform their duties.