Background: The Orissa High Court recently heard a petition filed by a social activist, seeking directions to the state government to pay compensation to the victims of Cyclone Fani. Parties: The petition was filed by the social activist, while the respondents included the State of Orissa and the disaster management department. Legal issues: The main issue before the court was whether the state government had failed in its duty to provide adequate relief and compensation to the victims of Cyclone Fani. Court observations: The Orissa High Court ordered the state government to pay compensation to the victims, observing that the state government had failed in its duty to provide adequate relief and compensation. The court noted that the cyclone had caused widespread destruction and that the victims were entitled to compensation. Significance: The order is significant as it will have implications for the victims of Cyclone Fani and the state government. The direction passed by the court will also have implications for the disaster management department and the relief efforts. The case highlights the importance of ensuring that the government takes necessary steps to provide relief and compensation to the victims of natural disasters.