High Court strict on dog bite: Government will give compensation if dog bites, know how much
Chandigarh: Punjab-Haryana High Court has shown strictness on the continuously increasing dog bite cases in Punjab-Haryana and Chandigarh and has ordered the state governments to pay compensation. The bench of High Court Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj has given these instructions while disposing of 193 petitions. The court said in its comment that dog bite cases have increased so much that people have to approach the court for this. The state government will be responsible for compensation.
The High Court has ordered the governments of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh administration to form committees to decide compensation in dog bite cases. These committees will be formed under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts. After receiving the application, these committees will have to investigate and give compensation within four months.
High Court Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj said that the cases of accidents and dog bites caused by animals are increasing so much that people are having to reach the court. He clearly said that the state would be primarily responsible for compensating the victims. The state will also have the right to recover it from defaulting agencies or private individuals. The rising number of deaths and the alarming rate of stray animals on the roads is very worrying. It has started affecting human life. The bench said that it is necessary that the state should now share the burden and take the responsibility on its shoulders.
According to the decision of the High Court, a minimum financial assistance of Rs 10,000 will be given to the victim of dog bite. This amount will be given per tooth bitten by the dog on the person’s body. If a dog scratches the flesh of a person, a minimum compensation of Rs 20,000 will be given for every 0.2 cm wound. In this regard, the High Court has also instructed the police to register DDR after receiving the complaint.
The High Court said that on receiving complaints of accidents due to stray and wild animals coming in front of the vehicle, the SHO of the concerned police station will have to file a daily diary report without any delay. After this, the police officer will investigate the claims made regarding the cases and will also record the statements of the witnesses. An incident report will be prepared and a copy will be handed over to the claimant. The High Court directed the Director Generals of Police of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to issue appropriate instructions to the officers regarding the guidelines framed.
