Bombay High Court Orders ₹50 Lakh Compensation to Widow of MSRTC Employee Who Died of COVID-19
Court says MSRTC cannot avoid responsibility for staff deployed during pandemic.
Judges highlight equal risk faced by supervisory staff and frontline drivers.
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: February 28, 2026:
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay ₹50 lakh compensation to the widow of an employee who died of COVID-19 while on duty in April 2021. The Court observed that MSRTC had taken a “narrow view” of its responsibility by denying compensation and emphasized that all employees deployed during the pandemic faced equal risk, regardless of their designation.
Also Read: CJI Surya Kant Vows Registry Reforms After Shocking Plea Resurfacing
[Resource Note]
If you want practical guidance on drafting wills, codicils, and probate procedures, Will Writing Simplified is an invaluable resource. BUY TODAY: Amazon 🔹 Flipkart
Background of the Case
Also Read: Supreme Court Slams Tribunals as Liability, Calls Them Government’s Headache
- The deceased employee, Bapu Jagtap, was working at the Wadala depot when he contracted COVID-19 and later passed away.
- His widow, Sunita Bapu Jagtap, filed a petition after MSRTC rejected her claim for compensation in January 2022 and again in March 2023.
- MSRTC argued that Jagtap was not assigned “essential services” and was not a driver involved in interstate transport, hence not eligible for the compensation scheme.
Court’s Observations
- A division bench of Justice Makarand Karnik and Justice Shriram Modak ruled that supervisory staff and depot employees were equally exposed to risk as drivers and conductors.
- The Court noted that during the pandemic, public services were kept open for limited operations, and employees like Jagtap were performing duties at great personal risk.
- The bench directed MSRTC to pay ₹45 lakh within eight weeks, adjusting the ₹5 lakh already paid to the widow.
Legal Significance
- The ruling reinforces the principle that employers cannot escape responsibility by narrowly interpreting eligibility criteria during extraordinary circumstances like a pandemic.
- It sets a precedent for similar cases where frontline and support staff seek compensation for COVID-related deaths.
- The judgment highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring fairness and accountability in government-run institutions.
Impact on MSRTC and Other Institutions
- MSRTC: Must comply with the order and pay compensation, potentially opening the door for more claims from families of deceased employees.
- Other State Agencies: The ruling may influence compensation policies for staff who died while performing duties during COVID-19.
- Employees and Families: Provides reassurance that courts will uphold their rights against bureaucratic denials.
Expert Opinions
Also Read: IRDAI Plans Sweeping Reforms to Cut Insurance Costs in India
- Legal Experts: Applaud the judgment for recognizing the risks faced by all categories of employees.
- Labour Rights Advocates: Stress that the ruling strengthens worker protections and ensures dignity for families of deceased staff.
- Critics: Point out that the government must now prepare for financial implications of similar claims across departments.
Conclusion
The Bombay High Court’s decision to award ₹50 lakh compensation to the widow of an MSRTC employee underscores the judiciary’s commitment to justice and accountability. By rejecting MSRTC’s narrow interpretation of “essential services,” the Court has ensured that families of employees who risked their lives during the pandemic receive rightful support. This ruling not only provides relief to Sunita Jagtap but also sets a strong precedent for protecting the rights of workers and their families in extraordinary times.
Keywords for Faster Searches
- Bombay High Court MSRTC COVID compensation
- MSRTC employee widow ₹50 lakh ruling
- Sunita Bapu Jagtap compensation case
- Bombay HC COVID-19 death compensation
- MSRTC pandemic responsibility case
- High Court ruling COVID staff compensation
- Maharashtra transport employee COVID death case
- Bombay HC judgment February 2026
Also Read: DGCA Introduces 48-Hour Free Cancellation Rule, Tightens Airline Refund Deadlines