M.L.Ravi v. The Chief Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 03.08.2020

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.M.SUNDRESH and THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE R.HEMALATHA W.P.No.7441 of 2020 M.L.Ravi, President Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi No.21/11 Venkatrama Street Chennai 600 079. ..Petitioner Vs 1.The Chief Secretary Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009.

2.Home Secretary Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009.

3.Director General of Police Tamil Nadu Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004.

..Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to immediately notify and announce Rupees Twenty Five Lakhs as Insurance compensation in the event of death due to Corona or any other virus infected to the Home Guards and also bear their medical expenses fully for their medical treatment and till they are declared as fit to join their services. The Government may also be directed to provide these unfortunate workers food allowances at par with the police personnel till the Corona virus is totally destroyed from Tamil Nadu. For Petitioner ..

Mr.T.Sivagnanasambandan For Respondents ..

Mr.G.K.Muthukumar, Spl. G.P.

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by M.M.SUNDRESH, J.) This writ petition has been filed by the petitioner, who is the President of Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi, seeking a writ of mandamus directing the first respondent to give insurance compensation in the event of death or any other virus infected to the Home Guards apart from bearing their medical expenses.

2. Status reports have been filed on behalf of the third respondent. In the first status report, it has been stated that the Home Guards are assisting the police to provide adequate security. Even on the earlier occasion, their services have been utilized. Considering the nature of services rendered, the Government has accepted the proposal of the Principal Secretary/Commissioner of Revenue Administration and accordingly ordered that all categories of officials would be provided free treatment in the event of getting afflicted with COVID-19. Further decision has also been taken to provide ex-gratia amount.

3. In the additional status report filed by the third respondent it has been stated that feeding charges have been given and the PPEs have been provided. It has been further stated that kabasura kudineer, zinc and multi vitamin tablets were also provided.

4. In view of the above, we do not find any reason to pass any specific order in this regard, as we are satisfied with the measures taken by the Government.

5. Accordingly, the writ petition stands closed. No costs. Sd/- Assistant Registrar(CS III) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar mmi/ssm To 1.The Chief Secretary Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Home Secretary Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009.

3.The Director General of Police Tamil Nadu Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004.

+1cc to Government Pleader,S.R.No.26254 W.P.No.7441 of 2020 VS(CO) KKV/25/08/2020