In the context of Covid-19, the highest court of the land has lauded the steps taken by the central government in dealing effectively with the pandemic. Justice MR Shah also took a judicial note of the fact that India has done what no other country could do.

While hearing an application seeking compliance of the PILs which sought ex-gratia for COVID-19 deaths, the Supreme Court expressed happiness with the centre’s decision on providing ex-gratia compensation of ₹50,000 to the kin of those who died due to COVID-19, as per the guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Back in June this year, the apex court directed the centre to entitle the kins of Covid victims to an ex gratia amount under the Disaster Management Act 2005, after which the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued guidelines on ex gratia for Covid-related deaths.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court said,”Today we are very happy. There will be some solace to the persons who have suffered. Everything the Govt is performing... We're happy that something is being done to wipe out tears of the person who suffered. We have to take judicial notice of the fact that what India has done, no other country could do.”

Just around a week ago, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, India managed to administer a whopping 2.5 crore covid jabs setting a record for highest single day vaccinations.

Despite having such a huge population, we as a country have done exceptionally well, he added, and to this Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta said, “India as a nation has responded really well.”

“To ensure uniformity, we have decided that the States from SDRF will give ₹50,000 to the kin of the deceased who died due to CoVID. “We cannot repair the loss, but we can do something,” the SG added. 

Further, referring to AIIMS director, Randeep Guleria’s statement that the third wave of Covid is over, the Supreme Court said that such statements should be avoided as people might not adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour. 

However, regarding the compliance affidavits filed by the centre, Justices Shah and AS Bopanna had asked the Union government to revisit its guidelines for determining COVID-19 deaths by including suicides as well and that the court would pass appropriate orders on October 4.