Ex gratia monetary compensation to families of deceased who have succumbed to pandemic of COVID-19: Word “shall” used in S. 12, held, cannot be interpreted and considered as “may”. It is mandatory for National Authority to recommend guidelines for minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons affected by disasters including ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life. Para 30-41. However, merely because some states might have been paying Ex Gratia assistance on account of loss of life to family members of persons who have died due to COVID-19 pandemic, held, Court cannot issue writ directing Central Government/National Authority/State Governments to pay a particular amount by way of ex gratia assistance. Para 47
[Reepak Kansal v. Union of India, (2021) 9 SCC 251]