CHHAGANBHAI DOLATRAM MEVADA Vs. HOME MINISTER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Writ Petition (PIL) No.217 of 2016 is filed in the nature of public interest litigation espousing the public cause whereby the petitioner has prayed that the respondent no.1 be directed to constitute High Level Committee to inquire into the tragic incident of death of 26 persons occurred in the district Surat due to consumption of poisonous/country-made liquor. It is also prayed that the respondent no.1 be directed to take appropriate action including filing of criminal complaint against the erring officers of local authorities including the police personnel.

(2.) Whereas another Writ Petition (PIL) No.231 of 2016 has been filed which is also in the nature of public interest litigation wherein for the same incident, the concerned petitioner has prayed that the said incident be inquired into by any retired High Court Judge and after receipt of the report, necessary action be taken against the erring officers. In the said petition, it has also been prayed that the respondent authorities be directed to pay compensation of Rs.10 lacs to the family members of deceased who consumed spurious country-made liquor.

(3.) In both these writ petitions, the issue involved is similar and therefore the same are heard together and being disposed off by this common order. However, for the sake of convenience, the facts narrated in Writ Petition (PIL) No.217 of 2016 are referred.