The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over fake Covid death certificates being issued by doctors for ex gratia compensation and said it might order a probe into the issue.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and BV Nagarathna also said that there should be some time limit for submission of claims for compensation. “What is worrying is the fake certificate given by doctors... It is a very serious thing,” the bench observed.
“Please suggest how we can curb the issue of fake certificates being issued by the doctors. It may take away someone’s real opportunity,” the bench said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that there should be an outer time limit for submitting claims. “I would urge your lordship to have some outer line for the deaths that have already occurred…This process may not be endless,” Mehta said.
The Solicitor General submitted that the top court has ordered that an RT-PCR certificate was not necessary for compensation and the same can be allowed based on a doctor’s certificate.
“This relaxation is being misused,” he said. The bench sought suggestions on the issue and posted the matter for hearing on March 14.
The top court had earlier directed all States Governments and Union Territories to appoint a dedicated nodal officer to coordinate with the member secretary of the State Legal Service Authority (SLSA) to facilitate payment of ex gratia compensation to family members of Covid-19 victims. The SC also directed the State Governments to give full particulars like name, address, and death certificate to the concerned SLSA, as also complete details concerning orphans, within one week from today (Friday) failing which the matter shall be viewed very seriously.