Bombay High Court asks Maharashtra govt to disburse relief funds in promised time, or face contempt

The Bombay High Court on Friday warned the Maharashtra government with contempt action if it (government) fails to disburse relief funds within the time frame given by it to farmers affected in the unseasonal rains and hailstorm that hit Maharashtra since February this year.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice MS Sanklecha was hearing a public interest litigation filed by two agriculturists - Gorakh Gadge and Vithalrao Pawar - seeking a direction to the central and state government to disburse immediate relief fund of Rs 20,000 crore
to the affected farmers.

Unseasonal rains and hailstorms since February had affected over 3000 villages in the state damaging several crops and cattle and killing at least 28 people.

Additional government pleader Milind More informed the court that they have completed the survey of 3,138 villages out of total affected 3,160 villages. Survey of the remaining villages would be completed by April 2, said more.

"On the basis of the survey report, relief amount will be distributed directly to the farmers' accounts electronically. The disbursement will start from April 5 and will be completed by April 16," said More.

More informed HC on the basis of instructions given by deputy secretary Pradeep Indulkar.

The bench accepted the assurance but warned the government of contempt action if it fails to complete the process by then.

Advocate Pooja Thorat, appearing for the petitioners, however, told the court that survey was not done in a proper manner and several talukas and villages have been skipped. She submitted affidavit of 15 farmers whose lands were missed in the survey. "Despite representation to the tehsildar's office and other officers concerned, nothing was done," said Thorat.

The HC has said that all those farmers whose lands have not been surveyed can approach the collector or tehsildar's office which shall take necessary steps within three days of receiving the complaint. The officers concerned shall take necessary steps within three days of receiving representation, HC has said.

Ashish Gaikwad, advocate for petitioners, informed HC that the insurance policy proposed by the government was faulty as it covered the loss upto January. "The loss has been in February and March. So the insurance policy is of no use," added Gaikwad.

Counsel Anil Anturkar, pointed out that the Rs 540 crore relief disbursement promised by the government was only on paper so far.

HC has kept the petitions for hearing on April 5 by when the government has to inform further progress.