The Kerala High Court has directed the State Government to immediately disburse ex gratia compensation to the families affected by the recent landslide at the Anakkampoyil–Meppadi tunnel project site in Wayanad. The court issued the direction while hearing the matter suo motu, emphasizing that relief and rehabilitation must take precedence over determining liability for the tragedy.
A Division Bench comprising Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A.K. instructed the government to ensure that compensation reaches the victims’ families without delay. The court also ordered that all medical expenses of the injured be borne by the State until they are discharged from hospitals, with the question of recovering those costs from the project authorities to be decided at a later stage.
During the hearing, the State informed the court that six people had lost their lives in the landslide and that arrangements were being made to hand over the bodies to their families after post-mortem examinations. The High Court directed officials to ensure that the bodies are released at the earliest so that the families can perform the final rites without unnecessary delay.
The Bench also sought details regarding the circumstances leading to the accident and questioned whether construction activities had been suspended before the incident. Government officials informed the court that restrictions and safety advisories had been issued to the project authorities before the monsoon, including directions on the safe disposal of excavated soil and measures to prevent risks to workers and nearby residents.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue search operations at the landslide site as authorities investigate the exact cause of the disaster. The Kerala Government has already ordered separate inquiries into the incident to examine compliance with environmental and safety regulations at the tunnel project.
The High Court observed that humanitarian assistance should remain the immediate priority and stressed that the affected families deserve prompt financial support, medical care, and dignified handling of the aftermath while the investigation into responsibility continues.
News as reported
