VARKEY THOMAS Vs. GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who is a resident of Manippara, Antopuram in Idukki District, is before this Court seeking to direct the respondents to immediately disburse to the petitioner amounts by way of flood relief offered by the Government of Kerala, for which amounts are available with the Government of Kerala, to alleviate serious grievances experienced by the petitioner.

(2.) The petitioner states that in the floods of the year 2018 and 2019, the land owned by him was totally devastated, rendering the land unfit for any agricultural activity. The petitioner approached the Revenue authorities for compensation payable to flood affected victims. The petitioner is indebted to Banks and KSFE. Some other flood affected persons received some compensation, but the petitioner is not paid a penny. The petitioner's representations Exts.P1 to P4 to various Revenue authorities did not yield any result. Hence, the petitioner has filed this writ petition.

(3.) A statement has been filed by the 2nd respondent-District Collector. The 2nd respondent stated that the Village Officer's report showed that the petitioner is involved in commercial business in his properties. The petitioner has constructed a house of 1300 Sq. ft. in his property adjacent to Alappuzha-Madurai Highway and another commercial building of 3600 Sq. ft. along the same Highway. The petitioner is not a mere farmer.