KOCHI: The High Court said that the government and the court cannot turn a blind eye to the difficulties faced by Endosulfan patients and their families. Justice VG Arun also said not to deny benefits for Endosulfan patients on technical grounds.

The single bench’s statement comes while considering a plea against the government’s decision not to waive off the loan taken for the medical treatment of Ann Maria, 17, who has since died. The government said that the loan cannot be waived because the loan was taken after the specific date.

In the plea submitted by Ann Maria’s mother, Resimol Babu, and grandfather, Chacko Mathew, to waive off the bank loan, the High Court ordered that their loan must waived off as soon as possible.

They had taken two bank loans for the medical treatment of Ann Maria. The government had decided to waive off loans up to Rs.3 lakhs taken to give medical treatment to Endosulfan patients.

However, the government decided not to waive off the loan taken for Ann Maria because one loan was taken after June 30, 2011. The second loan was taken in the name of Chacko Mathew. The government cited these issues to deny benefits to the family of Ann Maria.

The dues from both the loans were at Rs.2,72,000. The HC said that it is not right to oppose benefits on technical grounds considering the plight of Maria and her family.

On the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission recommendation to give financial aid to Endosulfan patients, the state government gave Ann Maria Rs.5 lakhs.

The loan for her treatment was taken in addition to this amount. In these circumstances the government has the responsibility to help those who are victims of the calamity.