S.J. Mukhopadhaya, A.C.J.

1. In all these cases, the petitioners, who claim to be the dependent (s) of the person (s), killed by the extremists, have prayed for direction (s) to pay compensation and/or to provide appointment on compassionate ground, as per the Governments scheme. The grounds/ cause being common, all the writ applications have been heard together and are being disposed of by this common order.

2. Before deciding the claim of individual petitioner, it is necessary to notice relevant guidelines, issued by the State Government from time to time for payment of compensation and/or appointment on compassionate ground to the dependent (s) of those, killed by the extremists, which are discussed hereunder :

The then State of Bihar from its Home (Special) Department initially circulated a scheme vide Letter No. 1701, dated 21st September, 1987, whereby and whereunder, it was decided to give compensation to the dependent (s)/injured, who are killed/injured by the terrorist/extremists attack or in communal riots. It was decided to pay the dependent of a deceased Rs. 20.000/-, including those, who remain traceless for more than seven years and are presumed to be dead, due to t