New Delhi: The Supreme Court has declined to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking enhanced compensation and rehabilitation measures for the victims and survivors of the 1983 Nellie massacre in Assam’s Nagaon district. A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta advised the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court, observing that Article 226 of the Constitution provides a wider scope for such matters.
The PIL, filed by families of survivors, sought a reassessment of compensation and the creation of a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme. Petitioners highlighted that nearly 2,000 people were killed during the massacre, while those affected were given only Rs. 5,000 per deceased family member and Rs. 1,500 for injured relatives. They demanded fair reparation under Article 21, along with housing, healthcare, and education support for survivors.
Advocate Warisha Farasat argued that the issue affects a large section of society and pointed to precedents where Article 32 petitions were entertained despite similar contexts. The Bench, however, suggested withdrawal of the petition and its filing before the High Court.
With the petition dismissed as withdrawn, the long-pending demand for justice and rehabilitation for Nellie’s victims returns to the state judiciary.
