SC refuses formulation of relief plan in view of COVID-19

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking formulation of a national policy for uniform compensation for families of those who have died due to COVID. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and R S Reddy dismissed the plea saying that every state has a different policy and gives compensation as per its financial power.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday denied to give directions to the centre and states to issue guidelines for the whole country to provide ex gratia to those families whose members succumbed to COVID 19.

The apex court observed that every state has a different policy based on its finances and other factors and there can not be one direction for all of them.

The bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan was hearing a petition filed by activist Hashim Thayikandy who sought formulation of National relief plan under the NDMA to provide financial assistance to people, especially belonging to economically weaker sections.

He had contended that it is the duty of the state to "safeguard the interests and life of its citizens" who died while discharging their duties to the nation.