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Chandigarh: Nearly seven months after directing the Chandigarh Administration to compensate victims of the Carmel Convent School tree-fall tragedy, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has disposed of a contempt petition after noting that ₹1.2 crore has been disbursed so far, even as a dispute over the full compensation amount continues.

Justice Vikas Bahl recorded that drafts of ₹80 lakh for the family of the deceased student and ₹40 lakh for the injured girl—who lost her arm in the incident—had been handed over, bringing the total payment to ₹1.2 crore.

Dispute Over Full Compensation

Appearing before the court, the UT Administration submitted that:

• An additional ₹30 lakh had already been paid earlier,
• Taking the total disbursal to ₹1.5 crore, as directed by the court,
• Subject to the outcome of the pending appeal.

However, counsel Ramdeep Partap Singh, representing the victims, argued that:

• The High Court’s award of ₹1.5 crore was over and above the ₹30 lakh already paid,
• Meaning the full compensation has not yet been cleared.

Despite the disagreement, he consented to the disposal of the contempt petition for now, while seeking liberty to pursue the matter further before a division bench.

Accepting this, the court disposed of the plea, granting liberty to revive proceedings if required.

Medical Support and Future Relief

The court also noted the injured survivor’s condition. Now a major, she is exploring the possibility of arm transplantation, and the petitioners may approach the court again to ensure that:

• The administration bears all medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Liberty has been granted to file a fresh or revived contempt petition on this aspect.

Background: High Court’s Strong Observations

The development stems from the High Court’s September 29, 2025, judgment, where it:

• Rejected the administration’s “act of God” defence
• Held authorities liable for negligence, particularly the engineering department
• Criticised the administration for lack of empathy and sensitivity

Justice Kuldeep Tiwari had observed that the administration’s stance failed to reflect compassion, especially given the irreversible loss suffered by the victims.

The court had poignantly noted:

• The injured girl’s disability could limit her career and life opportunities
• The bereaved parents’ pain was beyond compensation

Division Bench Clarification

Subsequently, a division bench of Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Rohit Kapoor clarified that compensation must be paid as per the single judge’s order. However, it would remain subject to the outcome of the appeal.

Tragedy That Sparked Accountability

The case relates to a tragic incident at Carmel Convent School, where a falling tree led to:

• The death of a student
• Severe injuries to another, including loss of an arm

The High Court’s intervention not only ensured compensation but also set a precedent on state accountability in public safety failures, particularly in educational institutions.

While partial relief has now been delivered, the legal battle over full compensation and long-term rehabilitation remains open.