The Supreme Court has once again taken a serious view of the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has found fault with the Central government’s contention that they cannot give any ex-gratia to those who died due to Covid. The court, which took up the issue of ex-gratia to the kin of the Covid dead suo motu, viewed Central Government’s argument seriously.
It sought to know if the Disaster Management wing has admitted that it cannot give ex-gratia. It responded to the Government’s argument that it does not have enough resources to provide ex-gratia to every dead person’s famliy. The court said that the Centre’s claims have far-reaching consequences. Reminding that under Section 12 of the DMR Act, the kin of all those who died due to natural disasters should be given compensation. The court said that this was a recommendation of the Finance Commission.
The government told the court that it has provided insurance cover to over 22 lakh persons working in the health sector. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the Centre to simplify the process of applying for ex-gratia The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on payment of ex-gratia.