Mitali Palnitkar
Published on: March 7, 2022 at 18:23 IST
The Supreme Court expressed concerns about Doctors Issuing Fake Medical Certificates to undeserving people to Claim Ex-Gratia Compensation for Covid Deaths.
The Bench comprising Justice MR Shah and BV Nagarathna, observed that it might Order an Independent Probe into the matter. It Adjourned the Case to March 14, 2022 (Monday) in which it will oversee the Disbursal of Ex-Gratia Compensation to the families of Covid Victims by the States.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta appearing for the Central Government and the State of Gujarat highlighted concerns. He sought to fix an outer Time-Limit for submitting Claims stating that it will be an Endless Process otherwise.
He pointed out that the relaxation given by the Court that RTPCR Certificate is not necessary for Claiming Compensation and Doctor’s Certificate is enough, is being Misused by few people.
Justice Shah observed, “There must be some Time Limit, otherwise the process will go endlessly, even for 5-6 Years.” He also noted that the Issue of Fake Certificates was quite serious.
He further sought suggestions from Senior Advocate R Basant appearing for the State of Kerala as to how the issue of Fake Certificates could be curbed. He pointed out that it Issuing Fake Certificates might take someone’s Real Opportunity.
He added that an Independent Probe could be necessary in view of the State Government Doctors. The matter was Adjourned to March 14, 2022.
Earlier, the Court had approved an Ex-Gratia Compensation of Rs 50,000 to the kin of Covid Victims suggested by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The Compensation is to be Paid from the State Disaster Response Fund by the States.
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