Chandigarh, September 11 – The Haryana Human Rights Commission has passed an important order in the matter of late Martyr SaurabhGarg (resident of Pillukhera, District Jind). The Bench of the Commission comprising Justice LalitBatra, Chairperson; Mr.Kuldeep Jain, Member (Judicial); and Mr. Deep Bhatia, Member, delivered this order in Complaint No.1995/8/2023.
Background of the Incident
This complaint was filed by ShriChanderBhan, father of late ShriSaurabhGarg. On 08.12.2012, SaurabhGarg sacrificed his life while saving 11 innocent people trapped in a house engulfed in flames due to an LPG cylinder leakage at Pillukhera, District Jind. His act of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness remains unmatched. Despite being merely a neighbour, he rushed to the spot on a cold December morning, placed a ladder, and rescued all 11 persons (including women and children) one by one. Once all were safe, a massive explosion occurred, and he himself perished in the flames.
At the outset, the Haryana Human Rights Commission recorded with deep emotion that such bravery, where a young citizen voluntarily risks and ultimately sacrifices his life for others’ safety, epitomises the highest ideals of humanity and deserves to be recognised by the nation. The sacrifice of late SaurabhGarg is not only a personal bereavement for his family but a matter of pride for society and the State.
The deceased’s father has been pursuing recognition of this sacrifice for over a decade. Records reveal that within a week of the incident, the Deputy Commissioner, Jind, recommended the case to the Haryana Home Department. Subsequent communications followed on 14.12.2012, 15.01.2015, 23.08.2022, 27.09.2022, 29.09.2023 and 13.08.2024. On 22.02.2013, the Haryana VidhanSabha deliberated upon the incident and paid tribute by observing silence. A D.O. letter dated 13.05.2013 was also sent by the Assembly to the Deputy Commissioner, Jind, conveying condolence and sympathy to the bereaved family. Letters dated 24.12.2012 and 11.01.2013 from the Prime Minister’s Office were also addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, reflecting national-level acknowledgment.
It is noteworthy that at the relevant time, a well-established Government of India policy was in place for recommending gallantry and life-saving acts for National Awards. The Haryana Government could have forwarded the case under this policy. However, due to failure of the concerned authorities to move the file within the prescribed timeline, the deceased was deprived of this benefit.
The Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra strongly observed: “This delay is purely the result of administrative negligence and apathy, causing injustice not only to the family but also to society at large. Despite clear recommendations and extraordinary merit, the matter was never concluded in time and remained stuck in bureaucratic delays.”
Now, the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Haryana, has informed that according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Notification dated 01.04.2024, only cases within the last two years can be nominated, hence late SaurabhGarg’s name cannot be considered for the Prime Minister’s JeevanRakshaPadak. The Commission also clarified that the financial assistance of ₹5,00,000/- cannot be a substitute for the honour and recognition due to his supreme sacrifice.
Key Recommendations of the Commission
Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer Dr.PuneetArora informed that keeping in view the above facts, the Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra has issued the following recommendations:
- The Chief Secretary, Haryana, shall submit a report within six weeks fixing responsibility for the delay caused since 2012.
- The State Government shall request the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to relax the restriction imposed by the Notification dated 01.04.2024 and consider this case specially.
- The State Government shall also consider conferring upon late SaurabhGarg an appropriate State-level Gallantry Award.
- A copy of the order shall be sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana, for his personal attention and necessary action at the highest level.
Directions Regarding Memorial Maintenance
The complainant also informed that the “ShaheedSaurabhGarg Memorial” constructed by the Government is not being properly maintained. The Commission directed the Secretary, Market Committee, Pillukhera, to:
- Prepare a detailed maintenance plan for cleaning, lighting, gardening, and upkeep.
- Create a separate budget head for maintenance.
- Appoint a gardener and sanitation worker.
- Provide dustbins, benches, drinking water facility, and solar/LED lights.
- Display a notice board mentioning the significance of the memorial and the responsible authority.
- Nominate an officer for regular inspection and supervision.
Conclusion
The Haryana Human Rights Commission clearly stated that the bravery of Martyr SaurabhGarg must be recognised not only for his family but also as an inspiration for the entire society. His martyrdom conveys the eternal message that courage, humanity, and selfless service will never go unacknowledged.
