Wayanad Landslides: Kerala High Court Gives Last Chance To Centre To Revert On Loan Waiver Of Victims

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 13) said that it would give one last chance to the Central Government to revert on the issue regarding waiver of loans taken by the victims of the Wayanad landslides.

The Division Bench of Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian was considering the suo motu case initiated in the wake of the devastating disaster that hit Wayanad on July 30, 2024.

When the matter came up for consideration, the Court asked about the decision regarding the loan waiver to which the Additional Solicitor General of India (ASGI) replied that a final decision has not yet been communicated to him. The ASGI also told the Court that he would revert regarding the same on September 10th.

On hearing the same, the Court observed:

"Post these matters on 10th September. This is the last chance for the Central government to revert to this Court regarding their decision on loan waiver."

During the last hearing, the ASGI had stated that the matter has been referred from the Home Ministry to the Expenditure Ministry. From there, it has gone to the Finance Ministry where there is a division which has to look into it. It has been forwarded there but not further instructions have yet been received thereafter.

Case Title: IN RE: PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL DISASTERS IN KERALA v. STATE OF KERALA

Case Number: WP(C) 28509/ 2024 & Connected Cases