KOCHI: The High Court has clarified that forcefully collecting money to the chief minister’s disaster relief fund in the name of ‘Salary Challenge’ cannot be allowed. The court also said that the ‘salary challenge’ has a forceful nature.

“The salary challenge should be implemented only after evaluating the financial problems of officials. Many people say disagree to take part in the challenge due to their financial problems. It is not right to disgrace them by revealing the names of those who had not participated in the challenge”, said the division bench presided by Chief Justice.

The high court had earlier asked the why the government prepares a list containing the names of those who had not participated in the challenge. However, advocate general had given explanation that this is only a departmental procedure.

The High Court is considering a petition lodged by a NGO against forcing salary challenge on government officials.