The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to promptly disburse compensation to Rashida Khatun, the widow of Safiqul Islam, whose house was unlawfully demolished in the Batadrava area of Nagaon district. The demolition occurred during an investigation into an arson attack on a local police station in 2022.
The court’s directive came in response to a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted Khatun’s plight after her home was destroyed. Despite the demolition being part of a broader administrative response, Khatun had been left without compensation, even as six other affected families had received payments.
During the proceedings, petitioner’s counsel N.K. Sarma pointed out the disparity in compensation distribution. While two families with reinforced concrete (RCC) houses received Rs 12 lakh each, four families with non-concrete structures were granted Rs 2.5 lakh apiece. Khatun, whose home was also demolished, had received nothing.
Senior Government Advocate D. Nath assured the court that the Home Department had sanctioned Khatun’s compensation, which would be disbursed within two weeks. Following this assurance, the High Court resolved the PIL on August 16, bringing much-needed relief to Khatun.
