‘4 Lakh rupees compensation to families for Covid deaths’: SC issues notice to centre

The Supreme Court today issued notice to the central government on a petition which seeks ensure that 4 lakh rupees is provided to family members of those who died due from Covid-19 in the country. 

Covid was declared a ‘disaster’ by the central government in March this year and the centre had also said that the next of kin of those who perished from Covid would be given 4 lakhs as compensation.

The bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and M R Shah which was hearing 2 petitions filed by lawyers G K Bansal and Reepak Kansal over compensation for Covid related deaths today also informed the centre that often Covid was not being mentioned in the death certificate and this was making it difficult for family members to seek compensation.

The top court also said that there should be a uniform policy for issuing death certificates.

The petitioners informed the court that while section 12(iii) of the Disaster Management Act 2005(DMA) had a provision for financial compensation and relief for families which have lost members due to Covid, there was no uniform policy regarding the issuing of death certificates and compensation making it difficult for families to access financial help.’

The petitioners also told the court that hospitals were not doing post mortems on those who died from Covid.

The top court has asked the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) to explain the policy with regards to the Disaster Management act when the matter comes up next for hearing on the 11th of June.