Kochi: The Kerala High Court has thrown down a final ultimatum to the Central Government — take a clear decision by September 10 on waiving bank loans for victims of the devastating Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide in Wayanad, or face the court’s displeasure.
Hearing a suo motu petition on the tragedy, the Division Bench of Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian made it clear this is the Centre’s “last opportunity” to act. The court had earlier sought a concrete response, but the government admitted no decision had been taken and asked for four more weeks — a request that didn’t sit well with the judges.
“We are granting one last opportunity,” Justice Nambiar said firmly, directing that the decision be reported to the court by September 10.
Additional Solicitor General Sundaresan, representing the Centre, indicated the response could come after the Onam holidays. The Bench noted that Kerala Bank had already waived loans for affected families and pressed the Centre on why similar relief could not be extended.
The matter is now set for hearing on September 10, with strict orders that the Centre’s decision must be on record by then.
