Madras HC Urges CM Stalin To Visit Tribal Areas In Kalvarayan Hills Which Have Allegedly Taken To Making Illicit Liquor To Combat Poverty

The Madras High Court today (24 July) urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin or his son, Sports Development and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to visit the tribal hamlets surrounding the Kalvarayan hills in Salem and Kallakurichi districts.

This follows a recent hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, which resulted in over 60 deaths.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, it has been alleged that the tribals in the hills have resorted to the preparation of illicit liquor due to poverty.

The Division Bench, comprising Justices S M Subramaniam and C Kumarappan, issued this order while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation aimed at improving the tribes' living conditions.

The court highlighted that visits by the Chief Minister or the ministers could provide immediate relief such as electricity, drinking water, and education, as well as long-term solutions like employment through tourism.

The historical background was noted, mentioning that the area, once gifted by Krishna Devaraya to a few jagirdars, only held its first elections in 1996.

The judges criticised the prolonged neglect by political parties and underscored the dire conditions, including pregnant women needing to be carried long distances to reach roads.

The Bench requested the Advocate General to inform the Chief Minister and relevant ministers such as the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Minister about these issues. It stated that a visit by them would have a higher impact than a visit by High Court judges.

This observation comes days after the High Court stated that the Rs 10 lakh compensation announced for victims of the hooch tragedy was too much and urged the state government to reconsider its decision.

Also Read: Recurring Hooch Tragedies: Tamil Nadu Has All Problems Of Prohibition Without Actually Having Prohibition