The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Secretary, Ministry of Shipping and Transport, Government of India over allegations of negligence on the part of the ship management of MT Pratibha Cauvery that resulted in the death of six crew.
The apex human rights panel passed this order on a petition filed by rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy.
Tripathy in his petition stated that Krishna Chandran, a sailor from Uduma area of Kasargod district of Kerala along with five others allegedly died due to the negligence of the ship management of “MT Pratibha Cauvery” in November this year.
He further alleged that senior officials of the ship did not take any step to ensure the safety of the crew despite a warning issued in a forecast about the onset of a storm 72 hours in advance by the weather department.
The father of Krishna Chandran had also complained that his son was not paid salary for the last five months.
The lax approach of the ship management ultimately claimed six lives and nothing could compensate the bereaved families, the petitioner pointed out.
He requested the NHRC to constitute a team of experts to hold a comprehensive probe into the incident and initiate necessary action accordingly.
Tripathy also sought directions to the Central and the State governments to pay compensation to the family members of all the deceased.
The NHRC, in its order said, “the complaint be referred to Secretary, Ministry of Shipping and Transport, Government of India.” Further it also sought for an action taken report within six weeks.