North MCD ordered to donate 20 footballs, plant 100 trees

Justice Najmi Waziri passed the orders after the DHO expressed regret over the delay and voluntarily undertook to do some social work, including planting trees and encouraging sports among schoolchildren.

The Delhi high court has directed the deputy health officer (DHO) of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation to donate five footballs each to four Delhi government schools and also plant 100 trees for the delay in giving compensation to a man who had suffered 64% disability after being hit by the civic agency’s vehicle.

North MCD ordered to donate 20 footballs, plant 100 trees (Hindustan Times)

Justice Najmi Waziri passed the orders after the DHO expressed regret over the delay and voluntarily undertook to do some social work, including planting trees and encouraging sports among schoolchildren.

The court also directed the commissioner of North MCD to enquire into the delay in releasing the money to the disabled person. The judge asked the commissioner to file a detailed affidavit before the next date of hearing on what action could be taken against the former DHO who had to dispense the money.

The order came on a plea by Shashi Chandan, who had sought the release of compensation after his right hand was amputated up to his wrist. Chandan was hit by the corporation’s vehicle on March 6, 2007.

On March 4, 2008, a tribunal had awarded a compensation of Rs 3. 75 lakh along with interest. However, only a part of it was released. Aggrieved by this, Chandan moved the high court, seeking disbursal of the remaining amount. During the course of the trial, he had also moved the Supreme Court, which then enhanced the compensation. On August 3, 2017, the high court directed the civic body to release the enhanced compensation within 30 days.

On May 1, 2019, the court was informed that the money has still not been given even after the lapse of one and half years. The judge noted in his order that the municipal body had not filed any application seeking an extension of time to pay the remaining amount and neither did it gave any reason for the delay.

North MCD’s counsel advocate Sanjeev Sabharwal, handed over a cheque of Rs11, 74, 800 to the counsel for the appellant and said the same could be encashed immediately.