Consider representation made by Sri Lankan Tamil refugee: HC
The Madras High Court has ordered the Virudhunagar Collector to review a petition from a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee seeking compensation for his daughter's death. The child died after consuming water contaminated by a nearby septic tank at a rehabilitation camp.
Why it matters
The case underscores the critical need for basic sanitation and accountability in refugee rehabilitation camps.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Virudhunagar Collector to consider a representation made by a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee who sought an adequate compensation from the State for the death of his 11-year-old daughter. The girl fell ill after drinking contaminated water in the Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Camp in Sivakasi.
The court was hearing a petition filed by T. Nathan who is residing at the Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Camp in Sivakasi. He said the camp currently houses around 38 families. The residents are engaged in daily wage labour, painting work and other forms of unorganised employment.
He said they depended on the water supply provided in the camp for drinking and domestic requirements. He alleged that a bore well meant to supply drinking water was constructed at a location between three pre-existing septic tanks. The people had raised objections.
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