The Supreme Court on Monday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to pay Rs 50,000 each to the families of those who died due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Bench led by Justice M.R. Shah and Justice A.S. Bopanna further directed the NDMA to frame guidelines for payment of ex-gratia compensation for deaths caused by Novel Coronavirus.
Justice M.R. Shah said, “The next kin of the deceased shall be paid an amount of Rs 50,000 and it will be over and above the amounts paid by the Centre and the state under various benevolent schemes.
“The payment will be from state disaster relief funds. Full details of the beneficiary should be published in print media. Such amount will be disbursed within 30 days of submitting application and cause of death being certified as of Covid-19,” he added.
Earlier on September 23, the Apex Court had expressed contentment over the Central government’s decision to provide ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 as financial help to the family of persons who died due to Covid-19 amid the pandemic.
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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Apex Court that those persons who have committed suicide suffering from Covid-19, will also be entitled to avail the financial help as granted under SDRF, in accordance with the guidelines issued by NDMA under Section 12 (iii) of DMA.
The bench led by Justices M.R. Shah and A.S. Bopanna had reserved its order for October 4, after taking note of the counter affidavit filed by the Centre.
Justice MR Shah had said, “We will pass some orders, Mr Mehta. We are very happy.”
Read the order here:
NDMA