The prevalence of the deadly coronavirus is increasing day by day in Maharashtra. As of Friday, the state has recorded a total of 4,22,118 cases while the death toll has reached 14,994. In such a grim situation, the frontline workers have been working day and night in the state in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. Many frontline workers have also succumbed to the virus.
Recently, RTI activist Ketan Tirodkar filed a petition in High Court (HC) demanding the title of ‘martyr’ for police officers, doctors and nurses who lost their lives due to the pandemic. The petition reportedly seeks that the state government should take note of the achievements of the frontline workers during the current catastrophic crisis and declare them as 'martyrs' with due respect to their sacrifices.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sarang Kotwal heard the case on Friday. In the hearing, the HC questioned the petitioner as to why the court should intervene in such an issue. The court asked the petitioner why the judiciary should take a decision in this regard when the executive branch of the government is expected to take notice of it.
Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbakoni informed the court that a circular has been issued by the State Government claiming that the family of the deceased police personnel and medical staff will receive ₹50 lakh as compensation. It was also informed to the court that on April 11, the State had issued a circular extending the benefits of the Prime Minister Welfare Insurance Scheme of the Central Government to the frontline workers.
However, the bench directed that the circular did not give details of some of the special benefits offered to the doctors and nurses. Taking note of this, the bench directed the state government to submit an affidavit in this regard and adjourned the hearing till August 4.
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