IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE T.R.RAMACHANDRAN NAIR WEDNESDAY, THE 13TH JANUARY 2010 / 23TH POUSHA 1931 WP(C).No. 37664 of 2009(C) -------------------------- PETITIONERS: --------------- 1. SMT. MARY MICHAEL, KALLIVAYALIL HOUSE, ROSE GARDENS, CHELAD.P.O., KOTHAMANGALAM. 2. SRI. THOMAS MICHAEL, S/O. LATE MICHAEL OF DO.DO. BY MR.GEORGE KURUVILLA(ALAPPUZHA), ADVOCATE RESPONDENTS: --------------- 1. UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMNT OF FIANCEIAL SERVICES, MINISTRY FINANCE, NEW DELHI. 2. THE BRANCH MANAGER, STATE BANK OF TRAVANCORE, MUNNAR BRANCH, IDUKKI DISTRICT. BY MR.ALEX VARGHESE, CGC FOR R1 MR.SATHISH NINAN, SC, SBT. MR.T.P.M.IBRAHIM KHAN, ASGI THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13/01/2010, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: T.R. RAMACHANDRAN NAIR, J. --------------------------------------- W.P.(C) No.37664 OF 2009 --------------------------------------- Dated this the 13th day of January, 2010. J U D G M E N T The petitioners had availed an agricultural loan of Rs.3 lakhs for the development of their agricultural lands. The same was a short term production loan granted under the Kisan Credit Card Scheme. It is the case of the petitioners that due to adverse climatic condition, the entire crop got damaged resulting in a loss. Therefore, the petitioners could not repay the amount in time. 2. The petitioners are seeking the benefit of Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme 2008. In response to their application, the Bank gave Exhibit P2 reply. In Exhibit P2, it is stated that the petitioners are eligible for a relief of Rs.1 lakh only. Disputing the said stand of the Bank, this writ petition has been filed. Learned Standing Counsel for the Bank submitted that as per paragraph 10.2 of the Scheme, the petitioners have got an W.P.(C) No.37664/2009 2 effective remedy to approach the Grievance Redressal Officer. A reading of paragraph 10.2 shows that the Grievance Redressal Officer shall have the authority to receive representations from aggrieved farmers and pass appropriate orders thereon. It is also submitted by the learned Standing Counsel that the petitioners can file appropriate application before the said officer and the outer date fixed as per the present notification of the Bank is 31.01.2010. If the petitioners file an appropriate application before the Grievance Redressal Officer, the same will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed with regard to the eligibility of the petitioners' claim under the Scheme. This writ petition is disposed of as above. T.R. RAMACHANDRAN NAIR JUDGE smp