Farmers’ suicide: Telangana HC admits PIL seeking justice for kin

Petitioner urges the court to direct the government to conduct a proper investigation and provide compensation to victims’ families

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara took on file a public interest litigation case which sought justice for the families of farmers who committed suicide due to severe distress.

The case was filed by Kondal Reddy, a member of the State committee of the Farmers’ Swarajya Forum, urging the court to direct the government to conduct a proper investigation and provide compensation to the victims’ families.

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The petition pointed out that a three-member committee was appointed by the government to investigate the suicides, but due to severe delays and lack of action, the committee has failed to visit the affected families or conduct any meaningful investigation. Despite having all necessary evidence, government officials have failed to recognize the families under as prescribed under the GO 421 and 194, causing immense injustice to these families.

Advocate Vasudha Nagarajan, representing petitioner emphasized that an investigation should be carried out promptly, and the affected families should be given due compensation. During the hearing, the High Court issued notices to 25 respondent authorities and ordered them to file a detailed counter within four weeks. The court further adjourned the case for six weeks for the next hearing.