A petition filed in the Gujarat High Court has sought cognizance of the Hon’ble court in ordering financial compensation for the kith and kin of the victims and deceased affected by the deadly pandemic-novel coronavirus.
It is pertinent to mention here that India has been vigilant in timely imposition of nationwide lockdown. However, the conditions have worsened after relaxation of the same, bringing India to the 3rd spot among countries worst-affected by the pandemic.
The petitioner- Neel Lakhani advocate has submitted that the act entitles those affected by a disaster to a compensation. He has highlighted sections 11, 12(iii), and 12(iv) of the act.
Section 11 requires the Central Government to prepare a national disaster plan for disaster management for the whole of the country. The said plan should be formulated in consultation with the State Governments and expert bodies or organisations in the field of disaster management wherein measures should be taken for the mitigation of the effects of the pandemic.
Section 12 provides for setting up guidelines for the minimum standards of relief to the victims. While sub-section(iii) makes a provision for ex gratia assistance to the deceased’s family for restoration of means of livelihood, sub-section(iv) provides for any other relief as may be necessary.
The petitioner has also suggested by way of this petition a judicious spending of donations received by the Central Government through the PM CARES Fund. The petition is due for hearing.