Due Respect Should Be Shown To COVID Front Line Workers: Madras High Court Orders Enhanced Compensation To Family Of Deceased Worker

Justice S Srimathy of the Madurai bench observed that the compensation of Rs. 50,000 which was already paid to the family of the man, who was serving as a Scavenger in the Municipality during COVID-19 was not sufficient. The court thus directed the authorities that the issue shall be considered in light of any existing scheme and an enhanced compensation may be given respecting the departed soul.

“Therefore, this Court is directing the Principal Secretary, the second respondent herein to consider the petitioner's case and disburse the just and adequate compensation. If there is any scheme for this issue, the same shall be considered in the light of such scheme. The second respondent shall not to decline compensation, since the departed soul who had served as “Front Line Worker” during Covid, due respects ought to be shown to the departed soul,” the court said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by one Ponnupillai, whose husband Nagi died due to COVID-19 while serving as a Front Line worker during the pandemic. She had thus filed a plea seeking just and reasonable compensation of Rs. 25 Lakh.

The court noted that the Commissioner of Melur Municipality had already sent a proposal to the Madurai District Collector who in turn returned the same to the Commissioner to disburse the amount. The court noted that such passing of responsibility could not be accepted.

“It is seen from the records, the fourth respondent has submitted a proposal to the third respondent and the third respondent in turn return the same to the fourth respondent to disburse the amount. Both the third and fourth respondents are passing the responsibility and the same cannot be accepted,” the court said.

Thus, the court directed the Principal Secretary to consider the case and disburse the compensation.

Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr.R.Karunanidhi

Counsel for the Respondents: Mr.A.K.Manikkam, Special Government Pleader

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 310

Case Title: N Ponnupillai v The State of Tamil Nadu

Case No: W.P.(MD).No.8225 of 2021