While hearing a case on the compensation to be awarded for victims of the police shooting following protests at Vedanta Sterlite's copper smelting plant at Thoothukudi, the court has commented that the State should stand by the victims rather than the oppressors. The decision was brought by a bench which included the Chief Justice. This was also following the report submitted by the National Human Rights Commission and has directed the State to implement their recommendations, including psychiatric care to the victims. “The State must be seen to be with the families and not an adversary, despite whatever may have happened.” – the court said. The High Court issued a host of directions to this effect.
