NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court took stern exception to the State's lack of "humanitarian concern" and initiative in saving its farmers, who are reeling under severe drought and harsh living conditions, and preventing them from taking their own lives.
A Bench led by Justice Dipak Misra said it was the duty of the State government to protect its farmers, many of whom have been protesting in the national capital for the past 31 days for relief.
The court said it was shocked and alarmed at the way Tamil Nadu government has remained silent and not even "extended a finger" to help the starving ryots who are at their tether's end.
TN seeks Rs. 39,565 cr. for drought relief from Centre.
The court said the State cannot always bank on the Centre for help and needs to "rise up to the occasion" instead of blaming everything from drought to loan sharks.
The Bench directed the Tamil Nadu government to produce all records and files before it by May 2 and open it up for judicial inspection as to whether enough or anything has been done by the authorities to alleviate the farmers' misery.
