The Bombay High Court has questioned the Maharashtra government over its failure to provide financial compensation to the families of those who died due to COVID-19, even several years after the pandemic. The court raised concerns while hearing a petition filed by a 63-year-old man whose only earning son died during the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021.
A division bench comprising Justices Bharti Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande was hearing a petition filed by Ramashankar Shaligram Yadav, whose 41-year-old son was admitted to a jumbo COVID care centre at Bandra–Kurla Complex and later shifted to Rajawadi Hospital, where he died in May 2021. The petitioner alleged irregularities in his son’s treatment and questioned why the state had not granted any ex gratia compensation or government benefits to the bereaved family.
During the hearing, the High Court observed that medical records and COVID test reports clearly established that the death was COVID-related, and reopening inquiries into medical treatment after such a long lapse of time would serve little purpose. The petitioner’s counsel, Ajay Jaiswal, informed the court that his primary grievance was the non-payment of compensation. He cited Supreme Court directions issued under the Disaster Management Act, which mandate the payment of INR 50,000 as ex gratia relief to families of COVID-19 victims from the State Disaster Response Fund. He also pointed out that the deceased was survived by his widow and minor children, making the family eligible for welfare benefits.
Responding to the court’s queries, government advocate Purnima Kantharia assured the bench that the complaint regarding non-payment of compensation would be examined. She stated that once the required death certificate is submitted, the ex gratia amount would be credited directly to the family’s bank account.
The High Court noted that while demands for a fresh inquiry into COVID-related deaths may not be feasible at this stage, the state cannot overlook its obligation to provide compensation to eligible families. The matter remains under consideration, with the court seeking accountability from the government on the issue of delayed relief to COVID-19 victims’ families.
Also Read: Maharashtra Contractors Allege INR 74,000 Crore Pending Dues, Bribery in Payment Clearance Process