New Delhi, Nov 17: Association of victims of Uphaar tragedy today filed a contempt petition in the Delhi High Court against the manager and director of the cinema hall for allegedly making false statement on oath in an effort to sell the theatre. Avut, through counsel Sultan Singh and Vikas Pahwa, said in the affidavit by Ansal Theatres and Club Hotels Pvt. Ltd. It was incorrectly stated that it had no other asset except a small commercial flat and plant and machinery installed in the cinema building, and few moveable assets.
The victim's association claimed that besides the movie hall the ATCHPL had five other properties valued at about 130 crore.
It was claimed that the false statement was made to secure a favourable order from the court with regard to the sale of the cinema.
In a landmark judgment on April 24, after six years of protracted legal tussle, the court had imposed a hefty compensation of more than Rs 20 crore be paid by the owners of Uphaar cinema hall, the licensing authority, the Delhi Vidyut Board and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, after holding them responsible for the fire tragedy which occurred on June 13, 1997 during the screening of 'Border' killing 59 people and injuring 104.
In compliance with the order, the Delhi Police (licencing authority), the Delhi Power Corporation Ltd (erstwhile DVB) and the MCD deposited Rs 2.14 crore, Rs 2.45 crore and Rs 2.26 crore respectively. However, owners of the Ansals, did not deposit their share of about Rs 12 crore, including Rs 2.5 crore as fine for selling extra seats in the hall.
Bureau Report