PREMLATA PANDEY Vs. STATE OF U. P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Sri Sudhanshu Pandey, learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the State respondents.

(2.) By means of the present petition, the petitioner is seeking mandamus directing the respondents to release ex gratia compensation of Rs.50,00,000.00 to petitioner in pursuance to the Government Order dtd. 11/4/2020 for the death of her husband Late Ashok Kumar Pandey (Head Constable, U.P. Police) due to COVID-19 while performing his duty.

(3.) Contention of learned counsel for the petitioner is that the husband of the petitioner, Late Ashok Kumar Pandey, was working as Head Constable in U.P. Police at Maharajganj. By order dtd. 12/11/2020 of Additional Director General, Gorakhpur Zone, Gorakhpur, U.P., he was posted at Civil Airport Gorakhpur. In pursuance of that order, husband of the petitioner had joined the services at Civil Airport Gorakhpur on 26/11/2020. While working on duty at Civil Airport Gorakhpur, he felt respiratory problem on 16/4/2021 and, thereafter on conducting medical examination he was found corona positive and subsequently, he died on 20/4/2021 due to COVID-19. It is further submitted that husband of the petitioner while working at Civil Airport Gorakhpur, he was enforcing COVID-19 protocol and involved in prevention, protection and treatment operation at airport for COVID-19. Therefore, as per Government Order dtd. 11/4/2020, the petitioner being the wife of deceased Ashok Kumar Pandey submitted an application for release of ex gratia compensation of Rs.50,00,000.00.