Lucknow: Sarojininagar MLA Rajeshwar Singh has written to Union law and justice minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, urging the Centre to introduce a comprehensive law on civil wrongs and compensation, proposed as the “Bharatiya Civil Wrongs and Compensation Code”.Singh said that while India has modernised its criminal justice system through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, there is a need to similarly reform the legal framework governing compensation to victims of negligence.Singh pointed out that the First Law Commission had recommended legislation on State liability in 1956, while Bills introduced in 1965 and 1967 lapsed. He said India still lacks a comprehensive law governing civil wrongs, with wrongful death claims continuing to be governed by the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855.Citing road accidents, cyber fraud and data breaches, Singh said victims often lack a clear and effective statutory mechanism to seek compensation. He proposed that the new code should cover medical negligence, defective roads and buildings, industrial disasters, deepfakes, data breaches and alleged police excesses.The proposed framework would specify whom victims can approach, where claims can be filed, applicable timelines, compensation limits and provisions for interim relief. It would also require govt departments to respond to claims within a fixed timeframe.
