"We Need To Get Wayanad Back": Kerala High Court Seeks Centre's Response Over Non-Disbursal Of Relief Funds After Landslides

The Division Bench comprising Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. had previously noted that the National Disaster Management Response Fund and the Prime Minister's Relief Fund have not released any amounts for Disaster Relief to the State of Kerala, after the deadly Wayanad landslides.

It was also noted that neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have received allocations from the State Disaster Management Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Management Response Fund (NDRF).

Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan has now sought time until October 18 (Friday) to obtain instructions from Centre and NDMA. Meanwhile, the government filed a statement detailing lands that are suitable for resettlement of affected people. "The land is examined by an expert body and is found suitable for settlement," the bench was told.

The development comes in the suo moto case initiated after the disaster. The Court orally told the ASG “…Get some positive action from the Central Government because we need to get Wayanad back on rails as soon as possible.”

At this juncture, Advocate General for the State K. Gopalakrishna Kurup submitted that Centre is also to take a decision regarding writing off loans of the landslide victims. Section 13 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 empowers NDMA to recommend relief in repayment of loans in cases of disasters of severe magnitude.

This aspect will be considered by the Court next week. The matter has been posted to October 18. 

Case Title: In Re: Prevention And Management Of Natural Disasters In Kerala V State Of Kerala

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