A widow’s relentless legal battle has finally secured justice, as the Delhi High Court directed the state government to pay ₹1 crore ex gratia compensation to the family of a school principal who died after contracting Covid-19 while on official duty.
The case stemmed from the death of Shivnath Prasad, principal of MCD Primary Boys’ School, who tested positive in April 2021 and succumbed just four days later. His widow had sought relief under the Delhi government’s 2020 policy, which promised ₹1 crore to the families of officials who died while discharging Covid-related duties.
Authorities, however, rejected her claim, insisting Prasad was not on Covid duty at the relevant time. Her initial plea before the High Court was also dismissed.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela reversed the decision, noting, “We have no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the unfortunate demise of the late husband of the appellant was caused on account of contracting novel coronavirus while discharging Covid-19 duties.”
The Bench relied on a letter, issued by the succeeding principal of the school, which confirmed Prasad had been deployed for Covid-related responsibilities during the pandemic.
Emphasisng that the object of such beneficial policies must not be diluted by “narrow and pedantic” interpretations, the Court directed the government to process the ex gratia claim and release the compensation within eight weeks, failing which it would attract 6% annual interest.
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