Scope of CM’s Farmers Insurance Scheme limited to accidents: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court denies financial assistance under Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Sarvhit Bima Yojna, holding that “murders” do not fall under the scope of the scheme; only accidents are covered.

Nanhe Lal (petitioner) had sought compensation under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Sarvhit Bima Yojna after his wife, named Nanhki Sharma, died on October 6, 2016. The petitioner claimed that his wife’s death should be considered an incident under the government insurance scheme, as it occurred due to a knife injury while cutting grass in a field. However, the post-mortem confirmed death by knife injury, treated as murder by unknown assailants.

The petitioner claimed that the scheme provides compensation to the families on the death of the key earning member due to accidents. Specific situations such as road, rail, or air accidents, drowning, animal attacks, fire, or similar unforeseen incidents are covered under the said scheme. However, the scheme does not cover deaths that occurred due to suicide, illegal activities, or similar circumstances.

The petitioner, in support of his claim, also cited an earlier judgement of the Division Bench of this Court dated February 15, 2019, passed in the case titled Smt Bindu Devi Vs State Of U.P. And 2 Others, based on a similar issue.

When the court analysed the terms and conditions of the scheme, it noted that its scope is limited to accidents only. Further noted that “murders” cannot be considered under the scheme even if they may seem sudden or unexpected, as they are not “accidents”. In conclusion to the aforementioned findings, the court rejected the petitioner’s claim and denied compensation under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Sarvhit Bima Yojna. Instead, it suggested the petitioner look for relief under other government schemes.