New Delhi: Victims of the 2020 North East Delhi riots sought compensation totalling Rs.153 crore from the North East Delhi Riots Claims Commission (NEDRCC). However, the Commission recommended only about Rs 21 crore for disbursement, which remains unpaid even after more than four years since the riots.
The issue was raised during a Delhi High Court hearing on Wednesday, where Justice Sanjeev Narula reviewed a batch of 20 petitions filed by affected individuals, as reported by The Indian Express.
The victims’ counsel informed the court that, as per the Commission’s July 15 report, compensation was assessed and recommended for 1,731 claimants. While the victims collectively sought Rs.153 crore (Rs.1,53,69,18,232.45), the Commission approved only Rs 21 crore (Rs.21,71,39,125.86).
The February 2020 riots, sparked by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens, led to 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.
In May 2020, the Delhi High Court appointed Justice Sunil Gaur (retired) as Claims Commissioner to evaluate damages and assess accountability for the destruction of public and private property. In December 2023, Justice (retired) Asha Menon took over the role.
Despite the Commission’s recommendations, the disbursement of compensation remains pending, prolonging the struggles of riot survivors as they await justice and restitution.
