Delhi High Court Grants Rs 1 Crore Relief To Family Of Vice Principal Who Died On COVID Duty

The Delhi High Court in PREM SHEELA KUMARI v. GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE & ANR has directed the Delhi Government to grant ₹1 crore ex gratia compensation to the family of a school Vice Principal who died due to COVID-19 while supervising relief work.

The case was heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who allowed a plea filed by the widow of late Dr Raja Ram Singh. The Court set aside the earlier decision of the Government that had denied compensation under its COVID relief scheme.

Dr. Singh was serving as a Vice Principal and Head of School at a government school in Sangam Vihar. During the second wave of the pandemic, he was assigned to supervise a Hunger Relief Centre set up within the school premises.

He was actively involved in distributing dry rations and mid-day meals as per official directions issued during the pandemic. While carrying out these duties, he contracted COVID-19 in May 2021 and later passed away in the hospital.

However, the Government had rejected the family’s claim for compensation. It reasoned that the deceased was performing “routine duties” of a Vice Principal and was not officially designated for “COVID duty,” which was a requirement under the ex gratia scheme.

Challenging this decision, the petitioner argued that Dr Singh was deployed at a centre specifically designated by the District Magistrate and was engaged in relief activities directly connected to pandemic management.

The Court found merit in this argument. It was observed that there was no dispute regarding the nature of the duties performed by the deceased or the fact that he died due to COVID-19 while discharging those responsibilities.

Importantly, the Court also relied on statements made by officials, including the Deputy Director, which indicated that Dr Singh was indeed performing COVID-related duties during the relevant period.

The Court emphasised the purpose behind the ex gratia scheme, which was to provide financial support to families of individuals who lost their lives while contributing to pandemic response efforts.

“Looking at the purpose of the scheme that was enacted, the Court finds that the petitioner is entitled to ex gratia compensation of Rs. 1 Crore. Accordingly, the order dated 03.11.2023 is set aside,” the Court held.

It further directed the authorities to release the compensation amount within six weeks from the date of the judgment, thereby providing relief to the bereaved family after a prolonged legal struggle.

This judgment reinforces that technical classifications such as “routine duty” cannot override the factual reality of an individual’s role during a public health crisis, especially when the duties performed directly contribute to relief and welfare efforts.