- (1.) In a disposed of case, we took suo moto proceedings when the information about the unfortunate accident in one of the Sivakasi cracker factories was published. Pursuant to the notice issued to the Tamil Nadu Government a detailed counter affidavit has been filed which places the total number of deaths at 39.
(2.) In the final order which we had made by way of a Scheme we had required the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure that every worker in every cracker factory located within the area should be insured for a sun of Rs.50,000/- at the cost of the employer. The affidavit indicates that such insurance had been effected and in respect of the 39 people who are dead, the insurers are agreeable to pay Rs.50,000/- per person. National Insurance Company is said to have been the Insurer. We direct that the names of the 39 dead people shall be published in two local papers having wide circulation in Sivakasi area for two consecutive days within ten days from today. The Insurers are directed to deposit with the District Judge Kamraj payment for 39 dead persons by way of cheques, if the names of the heirs are known or by a consolidated bank draft in favour of the District Judge of the entire amount. The District Judge is directed to identify the heirs of the deceased workmen and distribute the amounts to the rightful persons entitled to the amounts. For that purpose if any enquiry is necessary, he is authorised to institute the same, we would like to impress upon the District judge to make the payment as far as practicable, in case there is no contest within a week of deposit and in case there is a contest, within two months from the date of deposit.
(3.) Apart from this payment by the Insurer, counsel for the State of Tamil Nadu had told us that to the heirs of each of the deceased, a sum of Rs.10,000/- has been paid out of Chief Minister's Relief Fund. This is not disputed.;