Bombay High Court directs State to deposit ₹3.60 crore over failure to pay compensation for human rights violations

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to deposit ₹3.60 crore with the court within two weeks for delays in complying with compensation recommendations made by the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) [Satyam Atul Surana v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.].A Bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A Ankhad passed the order on January 27 in a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by lawyer Satyam Atul Surana seeking enforcement of MSHRC recommendations..In his petition, Surana described the case as a “great travesty of justice” being inflicted upon various victims of human rights violations due to the wilful delay and inaction by the State in complying with MSHRC recommendations.Based on a detailed dataset obtained under the Right to Information Act (RTI Act), Surana highlighted that from 2013 to 2025, the MSHRC issued 180 recommendations of which only 44 (24%) have been acted upon by the State government. The remaining 136 (76%) with a total compensation amount of ₹3,39,24,000 still remain pending, it was pointed out..The petition termed this an “administrative apathy” and said that victims who believe justice has been done by the Commission’s orders are still waiting for the actual realisation of that relief.When the matter was heard on January 27, the State said that in many cases, MSHRC recommendations had been complied with.The State also placed a January 23 letter from the Home Department highlighting 15 such cases.However, the Court recorded that the law officer was unable to indicate the number of cases or recommendations in which the MSHRC’s directions are yet to be complied with, despite earlier directions to file an affidavit..In view of the State’s failure to place full particulars before it, the Bench said it “propose[s] to issue a direction” to the State Home Department to deposit ₹3.60 crore with the High Court within two weeks.“We propose to issue a direction to the Principal Secretary, Home Department, Government of Maharashtra to deposit a sum of ₹3.60 crores with the office of this Court within next two weeks, appropriate arrangements for that shall be made forthwith,” the order said..Before the deposit, the Chief Secretary, in coordination with the Principal Secretary, Home and General Administration Departments, has been directed to appoint a nodal officer.The nodal officer has been tasked with ensuring that notices are served within 10 days to all victims or their legal heirs in whose favour the MSHRC had recommended compensation..Satyam Atul Surana appeared in person.Advocates Neha Bhide, BV Samant and PJ Gavhane appeared for the State.Advocates Krupali H Rajani and Esha Pachare appeared for MSHRC.[Read Order].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.