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The Supreme Court on Thursday noted that they are satisfied with the affidavits submitted by the Central Government over the Ex-gratia compensation for kin of covid deceased.

A divisional bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice AS Bopanna appreciated the efforts of the Central Government in dealing with the pandemic, noting that no other country has been able to do what India has done.

The bench was hearing a Plea Seeking Ex Gratia Compensation For Families affected with COVID 19 pandemic, in accordance with provisions of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the District wise committee will be constituted consisting of Additional District Collector, Chief Medical Officer, Principal of the Medical College and a Subject Expert to address the issues arising with regard to the issuance of certificates. 

The Court today while considering the affidavit said that they will pass appropriate orders and are happy to know that something is being done which help the persons who have suffered.

Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta said, "We cannot repair the loss but we have done Whatever we can do."

Whereas, Gaurav Kumar Bansal also added, "For many people, the amount is less but for most of them it is something."

Earlier, Supreme Court in its judgment in Gaurav Kumar Bansal v.Union of India and others on June 30, issued direction to the National Disaster Management Authority to recommend guidelines for ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life to the family members of the persons who died due to Covid-19 and determine the amount of compensation payable thereto.

In compliance of this direction, the NDMA has prepared guidelines for ex-gratia assistance to the next of kin of the deceased.

In view of the above Central Government had proposed Rs 50,000 as Ex-gratia compensation for kin of covid deceased. The Centre has stated that the amount has to be distributed by states from the State Disaster Response Fund. 

As per the affidavit, "after broad consultation and deliberation with the key-stakeholders", NDMA was of the view that for ex-gratia assistance related to Covid-19 different norms should be applied than the existing norms.

NDMA concluded that as the total number of deaths due to Covid-19 is still rising, therefore, it is not possible to ascertain the total final financial burden emanating from ex-gratia assistance. NDMA states that financial prudence demands that it plans in a manner that assistance can be provided to larger number of people should the number of deaths rise.

NDMA has stated that the state governments are already incurring large expenditures from State Disaster Response Funds(SDRF) on various aspects of Covid-19 and announced multiple welfare measure from state budgets.

Case Title: Gaurav Kumar Bansal v. Union Of India