Shocked To Hear That Kalvarayan Hills Was Annexed With Indian Territory Only In 1976, Voting Rights Given In 1996: Madras HC Initiates Suo Moto Case To Ensure Welfare Measures Reach Region
The Madras High Court sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the implementation of the welfare schemes and availability of basic amenities in the Kalvarayan Hills region after the media reports of the hooch there.
The High Court initiated a Suo Motu Writ Petition after multiple media reports and documentaries highlighted the lack of basic infrastructural facilities in the region.
The bench of Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice C. Kumarappan said, “We came across multiple media reports and documentaries about the lack of basic infrastructural facilities in that region. It is to be made clear by the Government, (i) whether the government welfare schemes are made available to the people of that locality? (ii) whether they have access to all basic facilities? (iii)People of these regions, mostly belonging Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. Hence, the Government has to explain, what all are the efforts made, specifically for promotion and welfare of these people?”
Advocate General Mr P.S.Raman, appeared for the State.
The Court expressed shock upon learning that the Kalvarayan Hills region was annexed to Indian territory only in 1976 and that voting rights were granted to its residents starting in 1996. Consequently, the development in that area has lagged behind other parts of the state, necessitating more focused attention and intervention. "This Court is shocked to hear the history of the region that it was annexed with the Indian territory only in the year 1976 and the voting rights are provided to the people of that locality from the year 1996 onwards. Therefore, the development in that location, as compared to the other parts of the State, would definitely be behind and needs more focused attention", the Court observed in the order.
The Court observed, “When the Election Commission goes even to the remotest region of the country to ensure that everyone exercise their franchise, correspondingly, the State has to ensure that the facilities and welfare schemes have reached these people. It is the constitutional duty, mandated on the State.”
The Court also called upon reports or inputs from all persons, including media people and persons interested, so that the Court can address the issues in a pragmatic manner to ensure socio and economic developments are provided to tribals in the region.
The Court listed the matter for submission of a report by the State on July 24, 2024.