Court Orders Extension of Cut-off Date, Upholds Liberal Interpretation of Welfare Schemes
In a landmark judgment, the Bombay High Court, Circuit Bench at Kolhapur, has directed the Block Development Officer and associated respondents to grant the insurance benefits to the legal heirs of Yashwant Khandu Jadhav, a frontline worker who succumbed to COVID-19 post the prescribed cut-off date. The court emphasized the need for a liberal interpretation of welfare schemes, especially those intended to provide relief to families of frontline workers who made ultimate sacrifices during the pandemic.
The judgment was delivered by Justices M. S. Karnik and Ajit B. Kadethankar, who underscored the humanitarian aspect of the case. Yashwant Jadhav, an Extension Officer with the Karveer Panchayat Samittee, had contracted COVID-19 while performing his official duties during the second wave of the pandemic. Despite contracting the virus before the cut-off date of June 30, 2021, Jadhav passed away on July 11, 2021, after prolonged hospitalization.
The petitioners, comprising Jadhav's wife, son, and mother, sought the benefits of the Government Resolution dated April 25, 2022, which provided an insurance cover of Rs.50 lakhs to families of deceased frontline workers. Initially, their claim was denied on the grounds that Jadhav's death occurred after the prescribed cut-off date. However, the court ruled that the cut-off date should not be regarded as sacrosanct in exceptional cases where workers contracted the virus prior to the deadline but succumbed after prolonged medical treatment.
The judges highlighted the role of frontline workers during the pandemic, stating that their sacrifices must be recognized with substantial justice rather than procedural rigidity. The court noted that denying benefits to Jadhav's family would be contrary to principles of justice, fairness, and societal gratitude, and emphasized the need for a liberal construction of welfare-oriented schemes to fulfill their intended objectives.
In their oral judgment, the judges recalled the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the extraordinary courage displayed by frontline workers. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by these workers, many of whom lost their lives in their efforts to save others, and stressed the moral imperative to honor their contributions by extending support to their families.
The court's decision sends a powerful message that the State must act with sensitivity and prioritize substantive justice in cases involving welfare schemes. It reinforces the societal value placed on self-sacrifice and serves as an inspiration for future generations to act with courage during challenging times.
The Bombay High Court has ordered the respondents to grant the insurance benefits to Jadhav's family within four weeks, ensuring that they receive the support they deserve for his service during the pandemic.
Bottom Line:
Welfare-oriented schemes like insurance cover for frontline workers during COVID-19 must be liberally interpreted, ensuring substantive justice and supporting families of deceased workers.
Statutory provision(s): Government Resolution dated 29th May 2020, Government Resolution dated 25th April 2022, Welfare-oriented Schemes
