New Delhi:
The Supreme Court today expressed concern over misuse of its order and people getting Covid death compensation on the basis of fake documents. The court suggested that it may direct a probe into the issue by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
“We never visualised that these kinds of fake claims would be made,” Justice MR Shah said.
“It (giving compensation) is a pious work. We never thought this scheme could be misused,” he added.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and BV Nagarathna were hearing the matter.
On March 7, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre had mentioned the issue of fake COVID-19 certificates or fake claims and how it can be curbed.
The Supreme Court had then warned against the misuse of its order to get ex-gratia compensation for COVID-19 death on the basis of fake medical certificates and had observed that it would order an independent probe to catch those who indulged in such practice.
The court today directed the Centre to file a detailed application on the issue of fake claims and also on limiting the time for filing compensation claims.
