State govt bound by Covid-19 compensation announcement: Delhi HC on death of police constable

The case of Police Constable Amit Kumar requires an empathetic consideration, said the High Court to Delhi government

The Delhi High Court has told the AAP government that it was bound by its public announcement for a compassionate payment of ₹1 crore to the kin of Delhi Police Constable Amit Kumar, the first policemen who died on duty during the first wave of Covid-19.

Kumar died of the virus on May 5, 2020, while he was posted at Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, Delhi, to ensure adherence to Covid-19 lockdown measures. His wife Pooja was expecting their child at the time of his death.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had then tweeted that the family members of the deceased constable will be given ex-gratia amount of ₹1 crore. However, over two-and-half years since, Pooja is yet to receive the amount.

Justice Prathiba M. Singh said that the Delhi government “ought not to resile from the clear announcement made for ex-gratia payment”.

“There is clear communication and messaging in the public domain via social media which leaves no manner of doubt that the ex-gratia amount of ₹1 crore was announced for the petitioner’s husband,” the judge said adding that the compensation due to the wife of the deceased “can no longer be delayed”.

“Accordingly, let the matter be placed before the aforementioned Group of Ministers as per the cabinet decision dated March 13, 2020. The decision taken shall be placed on record by January 15, 2023,” the High Court ordered.

Pooja had moved the High Court in June 2021 seeking direction to the Delhi government to “keep their words” and to release the ex-gratia amount as promised by them.