Allahabad High Court Directs State Government to Expedite Ex-Gratia Payments for Railway Accident Victims' Dependents

Court orders compliance with Central Government's documentation to ensure timely disbursement of announced compensations.

In a significant decision, the Allahabad High Court has mandated the State Government to expedite the process of ex-gratia payments to the dependents of victims who perished in a railway accident. The case, titled "Adarsh Pandey @ Ansh (Minor) v. Union of India," highlights the bureaucratic hurdles faced by the petitioners in receiving the announced compensations.

The petitioner, Adarsh Pandey, a minor who lost his parents in the railway tragedy, was represented by Counsel Ashwini Kumar Singh. The court was informed that both the Central and State Governments had announced ex-gratia payments for the dependents. The Central Government had already disbursed Rs. 5 lakh based on the documentation provided, whereas the State Government had yet to fulfill its financial commitment, citing insufficient proof of the accident.

The Division Bench, comprising Justices Ajit Kumar and Swarupama Chaturvedi, expressed dismay over the State Government's reluctance to honor the documents accepted by the Central Government. The judges criticized the state officials for making a "mockery of policy" and emphasized that the same documents deemed valid by the Central Government should be accepted by the State for payment purposes.

The Court instructed the State's brief holder, Ms. Shruti Malviya, to expedite the process, mandating the District Magistrate to clear the dues using the affidavit filed by the Central Government. The District Magistrate has been directed to file a compliance affidavit by the next hearing scheduled for January 6, 2026, failing which a personal appearance in court will be required.

This decision underscores the court's insistence on governmental accountability and the need for streamlined processes to assist victims' families in distressing times.

Bottom Line:

Ex-gratia payment announced by the Central and State Governments for dependents of victims of a railway accident must be disbursed responsibly, and documents accepted by the Central Government should be considered valid by the State Government for payment purposes.

Statutory provision(s): Ex-gratia Payment.

Adarsh Pandey @ Ansh (Minor) v. Union of India, (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2819735