Can’t deny Covid compensation solely due to lack of RT-PCR test: HC

A division bench of Justices RI Chagla and Advait Sethna said denying benefits under the Government Resolution (GR) dated May 9, 2020. solely due to lack of RT-PCR proof would be “inhuman”, especially when the employee died while on duty

MUMBAI: In a relief to the family of Covid-19 warriors, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday held that the absence of an RT-PCR test report cannot be the sole ground to deny ₹50 lakh ex-gratia compensation. The court has directed the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) to pay the amount and offer a job to the kin of a bus conductor who died during the pandemic.

Can’t deny Covid compensation solely due to lack of RT-PCR test: HC

A division bench of Justices RI Chagla and Advait Sethna said denying benefits under the Government Resolution (GR) dated May 9, 2020. solely due to lack of RT-PCR proof would be “inhuman”, especially when the employee died while on duty.

According to the 2020 GR, issued by the Union health ministry, ₹50 lakh insurance cover was declared for healthcare workers and the families of employees who died due to Covid-19 while on duty.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Subodh Lakeshri, whose father, a BEST conductor, died in June 2020 after treatment at Seven Hills Hospital. His death certificate mentioned myocardial infarction and a suspected Covid-19 case, but BEST rejected the claim citing no positive RT-PCR test report. Lakeshri moved the high court in 2023, challenging the BEST’s decision.