The Delhi police on Friday asked the Delhi high court not to release the Rs 2.14 crore it deposited as compensation to the Uphaar fire victims, saying they would challenge its order in the Supreme Court.

In a petition filed before a division bench comprising Justice S K Mahajan and Justice Mukul Mudgal, DCP (Licencing) G C Dwivedi said the police would file an appeal against the April 24 order for payment of compensation to the victims of the tragedy that had claimed 59 lives in June 1997.

The bench posted the petition for hearing on July 21 when Uphaar owners i.e. Ansals' plea for disposing off the cinema hall would be taken up.

The Ansals, who were ordered to shell out 55 per cent of over Rs 17 crore compensation awarded to the victims, are yet to deposit their share. They have moved the court seeking permission to sell off the cinema hall to meet their liability arising out of the verdict.

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