The Supreme Court on Tuesday slapped a fine of `20,000 on the Government for failing to respond on the status of Indian Prisoners of War languishing in Pakistan jails since 1971.
A Bench headed by Justice TS Thakur had passed an order in November 2014 asking Centre to provide current status of 54 PoWs whose list was supplied to the Court in a PIl. The Centre sought further time to submit its reply that angered the Court.
Slapping a cost of `20,000 on Ministries of Home and Defence to be deposited with SC legal Services Committee, the Bench granted a final opportunity to the Centre to file its affidavit. The PIls before the Court painted Government's apathy towards PoWs and lack of compensation to the kith and kin of Indian prisoners killed in Pakistan. The matter will be heard next on August 25.