New hurdles for Air India crash compensation

Almost a year after the Air India Mangalore crash claimed 158 lives, the disbursal of compensation to the relatives of the victims, already controversial due to allegations of unfair settlements, has hit new legal hurdles.
Relatives of several crash victims have been at loggerheads with Air India, its legal consultant and insurance company ever since they learnt that the compensation claims are being calculated based on what they call ‘the loss of livelihood rather than the loss of life.’
In January, the new Indian Civil Aviation Minister, Vayalar Ravi, had responded positively to their plea to apply the provisions of the Montreal Convention that assures compensation for the loss of life, which amounts to nearly Rs7.5million.
However, the minister, who had assured speedy disbursal of maximum compensation to the next of kin of the crash victims, on Sunday said the procedures have now been delayed due to a pending case in the Kerala High Court based on a petition filed by one of the relatives seeking rightful compensation.
At a Press conference in Dubai, Ravi said he had held discussions to speed up the procedures after his meeting with the relatives and organisations supporting them during his visit to Dubai in January.
“I had also sought an explanation for the progress on the procedures. In between, I have been told that the case in Kerala High Court is pending, and there is delay because of that.”
Since the court has taken over the issue, he said, the ministry was awaiting judgement for taking any further action.
26/04/11 Sajila Saseendran/Khaleej Times

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Categories: Air India Budget Apr 2011, Airports Apr 2011, Safety Apr 2011