Kochi: The Kerala High Court strongly criticised the Union government for failing to provide clarity on the financial assistance allocated for Wayanad. The criticism was directed at the Centre’s inability to give a clear response regarding the utilisation of the sanctioned funds. The court questioned whether the Union government was trying to "fish in troubled waters”.

The Centre had announced financial assistance of Rs 520 crore for rehabilitation efforts following huge public pressure and protests. The funds were earmarked for 16 specific projects, with a stipulation that they be utilised by March 31. It was in this context that the High Court sought clarification from the Union government.

The court asked whether simply transferring the funds to the accounts of rehabilitation agencies before March 31 would suffice. The High Court insisted that the Union government provide a clear explanation on the matter. However, the Centre informed the court that the deadline had been extended until December 31.

Despite repeated queries, the Union government failed to clarify whether the mere transfer of funds to rehabilitation agencies’ accounts would meet the requirements. This prompted the court to ask whether the Centre was attempting to "fish in troubled waters”. At one point, the bench even questioned whether the government had some other hidden agenda.

The Division Bench warned that if officials sitting in Delhi were unwilling to provide a clear response, they could be summoned to Kochi on the next available flight. The court further stated that its time should not be wasted unnecessarily. The High Court directed the Union government to provide a clear explanation by next Wednesday.