Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Kerala HC: Centre Must Act on Loan Waivers for Landslide Victims
The Kerala High Court is telling the Indian government that it can't use the removal of a law to avoid helping landslide victims.
Last year, big landslides hit Wayanad, and people need help.
The government said it couldn't give out loans because of a change in the law, but the court said the government still has other ways to help.
The court says the government's not powerless and has three weeks to decide on the loan waivers.
The court is pushing the government to use other laws to help the victims even though a specific section in a previous law has been removed.
Kerala High Court stated the Union Government isn't powerless to direct loan waivers for Wayanad landslide victims.
The court's statement came during a suo motu case following the July 2023 landslides in Wayanad.
The Union Government had stated it couldn't grant waivers, citing the removal of Section 13 from the Disaster Management Act.
The court said the Union Government can still act, as it retains power via Article 73 of the Constitution.
The court gave the Union Government three weeks to decide on the loan waiver and respond.
- Who
- The Kerala High Court and the Union Government.
- What
- Kerala High Court asserted the Union Government can't deny loan waivers to Wayanad landslide victims.
- When
- The statement was made in a court hearing on Friday.
- Where
- Kerala High Court, in a case concerning the Wayanad landslides.
- Why
- To ensure the government provides loan relief to victims despite changes in the Disaster Management Act.
Kerala High Court View
Union Government's Stance
Government's Ability to Act
Kerala High Court View
Union Government has the power to grant loan waivers.
Union Government's Stance
Union Government lacks power to grant loan waivers.
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Case Type
- Suo Motu
- Subject
- Loan waivers for Wayanad landslide victims
- Landslide Location
- Wayanad
- Legal Reference
- Article 73 of the Constitution
- Government Action Deadline
- Three weeks