‘Final deadline’: Kerala High Court tells Centre to respond by Sep 10 on loan waiver for Wayanad disaster victims

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has given the Central Government a final opportunity to inform its decision regarding the loan waiver for the victims of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster in Wayanad. The court has directed that the Centre must present its decision by September 10, as reported by the Mathrubhumi News.

During the hearing, the Central Government’s counsel informed the court that a decision could be communicated after the Onam holidays. Responding sharply, the Division Bench told Additional Solicitor General Arul Sundaresan, who appeared for the Centre, that “this is the final opportunity”.

The court criticised the Union Government for repeatedly delaying a decision on waiving the loans of the disaster-affected residents of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.

“I will appear before the court in person after the Onam recess and present the decision,” the Additional Solicitor General said on behalf of the Centre. However, the court made it clear that September 10 would be the final deadline.

The Kerala Bank had already written off the loans of the affected residents. The High Court again questioned why the Union Government could not implement a similar loan waiver.