Denial of basic needs to tribals unacceptable: Kerala High Court

Kochi: Kerala High Court on Thursday observed that the fact that there was deprivation of basic needs and amenities to the tribal people in Attappady was unacceptable.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A.M. Shaffique made the observation while considering a batch of petitions on the Attappady issue.

Considering the submissions of various petitioners that there was dearth of facilities at the hospital in Attappady, the court observed, “if the submissions are true and real, it would indicate that it is an atrocious situation in the administration of reliefs.”

The court added that the tribal people are  socially and economically marginalised section  of  society and they are legitimately entitled to get all the benefits provided by the government.

Mr P.D. Jospeh of Thrissur moved the court arguing that Kottathara tribal hospital, the only hospital in the Attappady area with more than 150 patients visiting the hospital in a day, had no facilities to treat the patients. Only a few beds are available in the hospital and most of the patients are forced to lie on the floor in the ward.