New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the misuse of its order regarding the Rs 50,000 ex-gratia for the next of kin of those who died due to Covid-19.
On Monday, the apex court expressed concern over misuse of its order since reports of people submitting fake medical certificates have come up. Supreme Court indicated that it may order a probe into it by CAG.
The Supreme Court expressed concern at doctors issuing fake medical certificates to people for claiming ex-gratia compensation for Covid deaths, and added that it might order a probe into the matter. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, submitted before a bench headed by Justice M.R. Shah that an outer-limit may be fixed for submitting Covid death related claims, otherwise the process will become endless, and added that some state governments have come across fake medical certificates issued by doctors.
Mehta said that the apex court has ordered that ex-gratia compensation can be allowed on the basis of a doctor’s certificate, and this has been misused in certain cases. The bench, also comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna, said it might order an independent probe into the matter and adjourned the case for next Monday. Expressing concern on fake medical certificates, the bench said: “What is worrying is the fake certificate given by doctors…” The bench added, “It is a very serious thing”.