New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central government to issue guidelines to grant ex-gratia to the families of Covid victims within six weeks and left the amount to be decided by the government.
Compensate families of Covid victims, SC directs Centre
Compensate families of Covid victims
10:53 June 30
Compensate families of Covid victims, SC directs Centre
The court observed that under section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, minimum relief needs to be given including ex-gratia. It said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has failed to do so.
The bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan passed the orders on a petition seeking Rs 4 lakhs as ex gratia amount to the family of Covid victims. The centre had contended before the court that it is spending money on mitigation and preparedness rather than giving out ex gratia and giving money could also affect the financial condition of the government.
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The court in its order today observed that granting of ex gratia will affect the economy and therefore the amount will have to be decided by the government based on its priorities and the funds available. The court earlier asked the government to simplify the insurance policy and provide remedy to the family members of the deceased in case they are not satisfied with the cause of death written on the death certificates.
Last Updated : Jun 30, 2021, 2:16 PM IST