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Allahabad HC directs reconsideration of ex-gratia compensation for a police officer's Covid-19 death within three months, emphasizing beneficial interpretation of government orders. The ruling underscores administrative fairness in processing claims despite hyper-technical rejections.
Gauhati HC clarifies that ex-gratia compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is payable only if death occurs due to a notified natural calamity like floods, not incidental accidents during adverse weather. The ruling underscores strict interpretation of SDRF guidelines, impacting disaster relief claims across Assam.
The Bombay High Court has ruled that for compassionate employment and ex gratia claims arising from Covid-19 deaths in service, the standard of proof is preponderance of probability-not proof beyond reasonable doubt. This lowers the burden for families of frontline workers and sets a critical precedent for public sector employers nationwide when evaluating pandemic-related service deaths.
The Bombay High Court ruled that families of frontline workers who died from Covid-19 are entitled to compassionate employment and ₹50 lakh ex-gratia even without a positive RTPCR test, if death is certified by medical professionals under pandemic protocols. This sets a critical precedent for public sector employers to prioritize clinical and administrative evidence over rigid testing requirements during public health emergencies.
Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that petitioners seeking enhancement of ex-gratia compensation are not barred by cut-off dates for fresh claims under rehabilitation schemes.