Bombay HC Orders ₹25 Lakh Compensation for NMMC Officer After Alleged Assault During Demolition
The Bombay High Court has held police responsible for failing to protect Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) officials from a mob during a demolition drive on July 30, after a pregnant officer was allegedly assaulted and suffered a miscarriage. The court directed the Director General of Police to take "stern necessary legal action" against all personnel present who failed to perform their duty.
The court ordered the Maharashtra government to pay ₹25 lakh compensation to the woman officer, with the amount to be recovered from the salaries of police personnel who were present at the site. Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata made the observations while hearing a contempt petition concerning alleged non-compliance by NMMC with orders over unauthorised constructions in Navi Mumbai.
The court expressed serious concern that public servants were assaulted in broad daylight in the presence of police deputed to protect them, stating it was "difficult to accept" such incidents in a progressive state.
