HC Ultimatum to Centre on Loan Waiver for Landslide Victims

Quick Summary

• The Kerala High Court stated it would give the Center a final chance to decide on a loan waiver for those affected by the devastating July 2024 landslides in Wayanad.
• During a hearing on a suo motu petition, Additional Solicitor General of India (ASGI) A.R.L. Sundaresan informed the Division bench that no final decision had yet been communicated from the Centre. He committed to providing an update by September 10, 2025.
• The court emphasized this as the “last chance” for the Centre to respond regarding its decision on loan waivers.
• Previously, on August 1, 2025, the court criticized the Centre for delays in deciding about this issue despite files being under review by the Union Ministry of Finance since last year.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The delayed decision-making process regarding loan waivers for victims of natural calamities raises concerns about administrative efficiency and responsiveness during critical moments impacting vulnerable populations.The kerala High Court’s ultimatum reflects judicial impatience with procedural delays affecting relief measures, especially given reports that these files have been under consideration for over a year without resolution. Timely financial assistance holds significant implications not just for rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad but also for setting precedents in disaster-response mechanisms across India. Moving forward, constructive coordination between state governments and central agencies may be essential to ensure more streamlined processes during crises like landslides and other emergencies.

Read more: Published – August 13, 2025 at [source link]