The SC asked builder brothers Sushil and Gopal Ansal to pay Rs 60 crore towards the setting up of a trauma centre in New Delhi instead of spending more time in jail in connection with their conviction in the Uphaar theatre fire tragedy .
The powerful real estate barons had spent five months in jail after they were convicted for negligence and causing the death of 59 people in the country's worst theatre fire and were subsequently released on bail. Each brother will have to deposit ` . 30 crore with the Delhi government within three months, a three-judge bench comprising Justices AR Dave, Kurian Joseph and AK Goel said on Wednesday . The amount, a fraction of their huge real estate business, will be utilised for setting up a trauma centre in the capital.
The top court noted that the Ansal brothers had spent over five months in jail and the ends of justice would be met if they pay ` . 60 crore as compensation to the state government. This will be in addition to the other amounts they have been asked to pay in a separate civil case for damages and compensation.
“Prima facie we feel that the accused have undergone over five months' sentence. Ends of justice we feel would be served if the accused are directed to pay a sum of ` . 30 crore each to the Delhi government for setting up a trauma centre,“ the bench said. A detailed order would be passed soon, it indicated. The brothers had been convicted for causing death due to rash and negligent acts, which was punishable by two years in jail or a fine or both.
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