Read Time: 03 minutes

The Madras High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to the state government to provide Pongal gift hampers to over 32,000 Sri Lankan refugees residing outside the camps in Tamil Nadu.

The State Government had announced distribution of Pongal gift hampers to Sri-Lankan refugees living in camps. The PIL filed by one Dr. Ramu Manivannan sought a direction on the State to extend the Pongal gift hampers to the non-camp Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in Tamil Nadu.

The petitioner submitted that the Pongal gift hampers have not been given to the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees staying outside the camp, while it has been extended to the refugees staying within the camp. The petitioner further submitted that the Government had extended Covid-19 benefits to non-camping refugees during second phase of the pandemic but has not done the same now. 

Per Contra, the state submitted that the Government has decided not to extend Pongal gift hampers to those who have not opted to stay in the refugees camp because such refugees do not have ration cards and otherwise are doing their own business or engaged jobs to survive well. The state further submitted Covid-19 benefits were extended because the business and livelihood of concerned persons had taken a hit. 

The bench of ACJ M.N. Bandari and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu allowed such submissions of the State, noting, 

"We do not find any illegality in the policy decision taken by the Government so as to accede to the prayer made in the writ petition."

Cause Title: Dr. Ramu Manivannan vs The Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu & Ors.