In the capital city of New Delhi, the Karnataka administration has approached the highest judicial body, the Supreme Court, in pursuit of an order to the central authority to disburse a sum of Rs 35,162 crore earmarked for alleviating the effects of drought. This request stems from the dire humanitarian crisis and the catastrophic magnitude of the severe conditions faced by the state.
The plea argues that the Central Government’s refusal to extend financial aid to Karnataka blatantly violates the fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which safeguard the interests of the populace.
Moreover, the plea asserts that the actions of the Central Government contravene the prescribed framework delineated in the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the Manual for Drought Management, and the Guidelines on Constitution and Administration of the State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund.
The ruling Congress administration contends that despite the lapse of six months since the submission of a report by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), the Ministry of Home Affairs has failed to make a definitive decision and release the allocated financial aid from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to the state for drought relief.
It is argued in the plea that Karnataka is grappling with a severe drought, which has adversely impacted the livelihoods of its inhabitants. The plea highlights that for the Kharif 2023 season, spanning from June to September, a staggering 223 out of 236 taluks have been declared drought-affected, with 196 taluks facing severe repercussions and the remaining 27 experiencing moderate effects.
The plea further invokes the doctrine of parens patriae, recognizing the state as the custodian of its citizens, particularly when they are unable to safeguard themselves.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of agriculture as the primary source of sustenance for a significant portion of the populace, the plea underscores the detrimental effects of the prevailing drought conditions on crops and livestock. These repercussions include diminished yields, reduced income for farmers, and escalated food prices, thereby exacerbating the economic ramifications.
The state government argues that the Ministry of Home Affairs has exhibited undue delay in convening a high-level committee meeting to approve the quantum of relief from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The plea, filed by advocate D L Chidananda, contends that the Central Government’s failure to disburse financial assistance for drought mitigation, in accordance with the provisions of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), constitutes a blatant violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed to its citizens under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
