CUTTACK: Acting on a writ petition filed by one Bichhanda Mallick, a resident of Ginananda village under Phulbani Sadar police limits, claiming Rs 10 lakh compensation for the death of his daughter, a division bench of the Orissa High Court comprising Chief Justice V Gopalagowda and Justice BN Mohapatra on Thursday issued notice to the State Government.
The petitioner had alleged that his seven-year-old daughter, Jasmin, died due to negligence by the staff of the residential school run by the ST and SC Department of the State Government.
Jasmin was studying in Class II in Billabadi Sevashram under Khajuripada block in Kandhamal district and staying in hostel.
On April 21 last year, she developed fever. However, the next day, the head sevak of the Sevashram sent the girl to her home with four other girl students without taking her to hospital. The girl died on way.
An inquiry was conducted and found that there was negligence on the part of the head sevak. The Government had then paid an ex gratia of Rs 50,000. But it was not adequate, the petitioner alleged.
It has been further alleged by the petitioner that the Sevashram is run by the SC and ST Department.
As she died due to negligence of the staff, the State is liable to pay compensation.