JUDGMENT :

1. This writ petition has been preferred under Article 226 of the Constitution of India claiming the following reliefs:

“It is therefore, most humbly and respectfully prayed that the writ petition may kindly be allowed and by issuing an appropriate writ, order or direction:-

i. The order dated 18.01.2021 (Annexure-16) may kindly be quashed and set aside.

ii. The respondents may be directed to release the Ex Gratia amount of 70 Lac Rs.

iii. The interest be awarded in favour of the petitioner @ 10% p.a. from the date when the claim was arbitrarily rejection by the respondents i.e. from 18.01.2021.

iv. That the Hon’ble Court may be pleased to impose substantial cost on the respondents in the facts and circumstances of the case.”

2. As per the pleaded facts, the petitioner is a widow whose husband, Late Shri Megha Ram Prajapat (hereinafter referred to as ‘deceased’) was working on the post of Executive Engineer in Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JdVVNL), Balotra. After lock down took place due to Covid 19 pandemic, the Superintendent Engineer (Pavas) Jodhpur Discom, Barmer vide order dated 10.04.2020 directed the deceased to ensure continuous supply of essential service of el