D.Meena v. The Additional Chief Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 08.08.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH Mrs.D.Meena W/o.Late Dayalan ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperative Society and Consumer Protection Department, Fort Saint George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Registrar, Cooperative Society Registrar Office, No.170, EVR Periyar Salai, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.

3. The District Collector, O/o. The District Collector, Vengikkal, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai District.

4. The Registrar, Joint Registrar Coperative Society, Tiruvannamalai Division, Tiruvannamalai District.

... Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1/6

to consider the petitioner's representation dated 31.10.2022 sent to the third respondent herein and representation dated 13.03.2023 and 26.10.2023 sent to the respondents 1, 2 and 4 and to direct the respondents to provide corona compensation to the tune of Rs.25,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Lakhs only) in lieu of the death of my husband Mr.S.Dayalan, a front line worker who died due to covid19 to the petitioner wife and to Mr.Tamizharasan and Mr.D.Tejesh, the petitioner's sons.

For Petitioner : Mr.P.Balamurugan For Respondents : Mr. S.Ravikumar Special Government Pleader [R1, R2 and R4] Mr.P.Balathandayutham Special Government Pleader[R3] *****

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representations made by the petitioner on 13.03.2023 and 26.10.2023 wherein the petitioner is seeking for payment of compensation for the death of her husband, who is a front line worker, who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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2. Heard Mr.P.Balamurugan, learned counsel for petitioner, Mr.S.Ravikumar, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for respondents 1, 2 and 4 and Mr.P.Balathandayutham, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for third respondent.

3. When the matter was taken up for hearing, learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of respondents 1, 2 and 4 submitted that the request made by the petitioner will be considered in line with the relevant Government Orders, which provided for payment of compensation to front line workers, who died during covid pandemic. The communication dated 07.08.2024 that was sent by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies was also placed before this Court.

4. In the light of the above submission, there shall be a direction to the fourth respondent to deal with the representations made by the petitioner on 13.03.2023 and 26.10.2023 on its own merits and in accordance with law as also taking note of the Government circular/order and take a decision within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Considering the fact that the petitioner 3/6

and her children are dependant on the compensation amount, the decision shall be taken within the time frame fixed by this Court.

5. The petitioner is directed to submit a fresh representation to the fourth respondent along with all relevant documents and also a copy of this order.

This writ petition is disposed of with the above direction. No costs.

08.08.2024 Index: yes/no Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order gm To

1. The Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperative Society and Consumer Protection Department, Fort Saint George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Registrar, Cooperative Society Registrar Office, No.170, EVR Periyar Salai, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.

3. The District Collector, O/o. The District Collector, 4/6

Vengikkal, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai District.

4. The Registrar, Joint Registrar Coperative Society, Tiruvannamalai Division, Tiruvannamalai District.

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N.ANAND VENKATESH, J gm 08.08.2024 6/6