The Kerala High Court has directed the state to expedite compensation for Wayanad landslide victims, citing reports of delayed payments. Emphasizing the need for efficient relief, the court instructed funds to be disbursed via treasury or bank accounts. The Central government is also considering declaring the landslide a national disaster. The case is set for further hearing on November 15.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court issued a significant directive on Wednesday, emphasizing that victims of the Wayanad landslides, which occurred on July 30, must receive timely compensation. Observing that reports indicated some victims had not yet been compensated, the bench of Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Syam Kumar V M directed the state government to establish a streamlined mechanism for disbursing financial aid directly through treasury or bank accounts.
The directive came during a hearing of a suo-motu case initiated by the High Court after the tragic landslides that ravaged parts of Wayanad. These landslides led to significant loss and devastation in the area, bringing attention to the immediate need for effective disaster relief measures for affected families.
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During the proceedings, the Central government informed the court that a high-powered committee was evaluating whether to declare the Wayanad landslide as a national disaster. Such a designation could potentially open avenues for additional federal resources and faster aid for the victims. Meanwhile, the state government confirmed to the court that it would extend the relief scheme, which provides Rs 300 per day to disaster-affected families, for another 30 days. This extension serves as an immediate response to alleviate the ongoing financial struggles faced by those impacted by the disaster.
The High Court’s focus on creating an efficient compensation mechanism reflects its commitment to ensuring that victims are not subjected to bureaucratic delays. By directing compensation payments to be channeled through treasury or bank accounts, the court aims to secure direct and transparent transactions that can be tracked and verified.
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The next hearing is set for November 15, at which point the court will review the status of compensation disbursements and assess further relief measures. In light of this directive, the High Court has sent a strong message to state and central authorities, highlighting the importance of prompt aid delivery and accountability in disaster response.
This proactive stance by the Kerala High Court underscores the judiciary’s dedication to protecting citizens’ rights during times of crisis and addressing systemic delays in disaster relief. As Wayanad continues to recover, the court’s intervention offers hope for families waiting to rebuild their lives with the promised aid.
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