Wayanad Landslides | Can't Give Loan Waiver As Enabling Provisions Are Deleted From Disaster Management Act: Centre To Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court is examining a plea from victims of the devastating Wayanad landslides, who are seeking a loan waiver and other financial relief measures. The petitioners, who lost their homes, agricultural lands, and livelihoods in the disaster, have argued that they are in no position to repay their existing bank loans. They have urged the court to direct the government and the Reserve Bank of India to formulate a special scheme that includes a complete loan waiver, a moratorium on new loans, and the provision of fresh, low-interest credit to help them rebuild their lives. The plea highlights the extraordinary circumstances faced by the victims of a major natural calamity. The High Court will consider the legal and financial implications of granting such relief, balancing the humanitarian needs of the victims with the policies governing the banking sector.