EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO COVID-19 VICTIMS

EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO COVID-19 VICTIMS

TOPIC: Polity

Context- The Supreme Court Friday directed all state governments and Union Territories to appoint dedicated nodal officer to coordinate with the member secretary of the state legal service authority (SLSA) to facilitate payment of ex-gratia compensation to family members of Covid-19 victims.

Concept-

Ex-Gratia Payment:

• An ex gratia payment is made to an individual by an organization, government, or insurer for damages or claims, but it does not require the admittance of liability by the party making the payment.
• An ex gratia payment is considered voluntary because the party making the payment is not obligated to compensate the individual.
• an ex gratia payment is a gesture of goodwill. The type of payment is made following a specific loss or damage to a property.

Legal Services Institutions for providing Free Legal Services:

1. National Legal Services Authority
   1. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
   2. The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief and the second senior most Judge of Supreme Court of India is the Executive Chairman of the Authority.
   3. Article 39 A of the Constitution provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity. Article 14 and Article 22 (1), obligates State to ensure equality before law.
2. State Legal Services Authority.
   1. It is headed by the Chief Justice of the State High Court who is its Patron-in-Chief.
   2. A serving or retired Judge of the High Court is nominated as its Executive Chairman.
3. District Legal Services Authority. The District Judge of the District is its ex-officio Chairman.
4. Taluka/ Sub-Division Level : Taluka/ Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee. It is headed by a senior Civil Judge.
5. High Court Legal Services Committee
6. Supreme Court Legal Services Committee