Congress party has moved National Commission of Human Rights (NHRC) against what it has called 'demonetization deaths' and has demanded compensation for the affected families.

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Maharashtra Congress secretary Shehzad Poonawalla lodged a complaint with the rights body seeking Rs 1 crore compensation for the kin of those who died due to the rush to exchange cash in the aftermath of demonetization declared on November 8, last year.

In his petition, Poonawalla claimed the rush for cash caused some 100 deaths across the country.

"Following the demonetization, many people died due to various causes which would include heart attacks owing to shock and collapse. There were suicides by those who were not successful in exchanging currency or withdrawal for want of new currency. Public was collectively worried about getting money for daily needs, marriage, funeral rites, medical treatments,"said the Congress leader.

He has cited that improper implementation of the policy caused infringement of the "fundamental right to livelihood and life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India...and the constitutional Right to Property under article 300A".

Poonawalla also said in his petition, "As a conscientious citizen of the county, we plea to this Hon'ble Commission to direct the Union Government to make a compensation of Rs 1 crore for relief and rehabilitation to the families of victims who lost their lives owing to the government's demonetization action. Hope that this commission gives justice to the families' prey to demonetization."

"In the days following the demonetization, the country faced severe cash shortages with severe detrimental effects across the country. People seeking to exchange their bank notes had to stand in lengthy queues and several deaths were linked due to the rush to exchange cash. This act of demonetization move has been criticized as poorly planned and unfair and was met with protest and strikes against the government in several places across India. This action of current union government has reduced the country's GDP," Poonawlla added in his petition.

PLAINT LODGED

  • Maharashtra Congress secretary Shehzad Poonawalla lodged a complaint with the rights body.  
  • In his petition, Poonawalla claimed the rush for cash caused some 100 deaths across the country.