NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Monday reserved verdict on the pleas seeking directions that ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh be paid to the families of those who have died of Covid-19.
The special vacation bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and M R Shah asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to share details of compensation paid by each state to kin of Covid victims and from which fund.
The SC bench was told by petitioners that states pay varied amounts to kin of Covid victims and requested for a direction to Centre to frame uniform compensation policy.
In the hearing that went on for two hours, SG Tushar Mehta, senior advocate S B Upadhyay and other lawyers were asked to file written submissions in three days.
The Centre had earlier the apex court that the ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh cannot be paid to the families of those who have died of Covid-19 as the finances of state governments and the Centre are under severe strain.
“It is not the case that it doesn’t have money to pay ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to kin of Covid victims but would rather utilize funds to build health infrastructure, ensure food to all, vaccinate the entire population and provide financial stimulus to boost the economy,” Centre told SC.
On the issue of Covid death certificates, the apex court specifically directed the Centre to simplify the process of grant of death certificates to the dependents of those who have died of Covid-19.
A mechanism should be in place to correct death certificates already issued, in line with its present policy, added the top court. “Otherwise, those who got wrong death certificates will be deprived of any ex-gratia being considered by Centre,” SC added.
(With inputs from agencies) View More | Source: Times of India