Chennai High Court Directs Government to Disburse Flood Relief Funds in Cash
Chennai has been pummeled by Cyclone ‘Miqjam’ and unrelenting rains, leaving many areas submerged and residents in need of urgent assistance. In response, the Tamil Nadu government announced that it will be providing Rs 6,000 in relief to affected individuals through ration shops. However, a petition filed by Ramadoss, an ex-serviceman from Kanikapuram, has brought attention to the difficulties faced by those without ration cards or whose cards have been lost in the flood.
In the 2015 floods, financial assistance was provided through bank accounts, but Ramadoss’s petition argues that obtaining a new ration card could take a long time, leaving those in need without immediate relief. This concern was echoed by Selvakumar, a law college student, who filed a case seeking to increase the relief amount and have it distributed through bank accounts. Their petitions were heard by the High Court’s First Bench, which included Chief Justice SV Gangaburwala and Justice Bharatha Chakraborty.
The court expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the token system that the government had proposed for distributing relief funds. In response, the petitioners proposed that the funds be deposited directly into bank accounts to avoid delays and ensure transparency. The government informed the court that 37 lakh families have already been identified, tokens are being issued, and relief will be given starting Sunday.
The First Bench recognized the urgency of the situation and acknowledged the potential for delays if disbursement is not handled appropriately. As a result, the court did not issue an interim order but instead adjourned the hearing to January 5. They directed the government to ensure that relief is provided to the genuine victims, and to submit a detailed report on the relief provided.
While the court did not order a specific method for distributing the funds, it has made it clear that the priority is providing swift and effective aid to those in need. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in distributing relief funds during times of crisis, and the importance of ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind.