30 years on, HC rules police were negligent; orders relief

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 16

Nearly three decades after eight persons were killed and 18 others injured in police firing following a dharna by mill workers at Abohar, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that the police were negligent in discharge of their duties and firing of bullets without authority was not within the ambit of official duty.

The Bench also modified conviction of three accused police officers from murder to culpable homicide and suo motu ordered compensation ranging between Rs 2 and 3 lakh for the kin of the deceased.

The Bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Harinder Singh Sidhu asserted that the firing on the workmen led to eight deaths and numerous persons were injured. The firing on unarmed peaceful gathering of workers also violated their human rights. The Bench added the labourers were employees of Bhawani Cotton Mill, Abohar. Their annual income in 1991, after making deductions would come to Rs 24,000. Though disability certificates of the labourers suffering injuries was not available on record, the court added that it could take judicial notice of the fact that their earning capacity was bound to reduce following injuries from high velocity projectile bullets.

The Bench said their average age in 1991 was 30-40 years. Each of the injured workmen would be entitled to compensation of Rs 1,08,000 with 9 per cent per annum interest from the October 25, 1991, the date of incident.

“The State is directed to produce appellants (former police officials) Hardam Singh, Piara Singh and Harcharan Singh before the High Court on September 26 to be heard on quantum of sentence,” the Bench added.