Kochi: The Kerala government has granted administrative approval for the payment of commission amounts to ration shop owners who distributed free food kits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision comes after petitioners initiated contempt of court proceedings due to the non-payment of the commission, despite a High Court order.

The contempt petition is scheduled for consideration on September 11. In the meantime, the government has issued an order to address the issue.

Ration shop owners are owed 11 months' worth of commission arrears. The All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers Association had taken the matter to court. The government had approached the Supreme Court after the High Court ordered the payment of the commission. However, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal. 

The order to distribute food kits was originally issued on April 6, 2020.