The Orissa High Court has ordered the state government to pay compensation to the family of a deceased COVID-19 patient, who had died due to alleged negligence by a private hospital. Background: The petitioner, the family member of the deceased, had approached the court seeking compensation and action against the hospital. Parties: The petitioner was represented by advocate Sidharth Das, while the state government and the hospital were represented by advocate S.K. Mishra. Legal issues: The court considered the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the principles of tort law. Court observations: The court observed that the hospital had been negligent in its treatment of the patient and that the state government was liable to pay compensation. Significance: The judgment highlights the importance of ensuring accountability in the healthcare sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also underscores the need for the government to take proactive steps to protect the rights of patients and their families.