Three-Member Committee Established to Expedite Verification and Disbursement Amidst Procedural Delays
In a significant development, the Patna High Court has issued a directive to the State of Bihar to expedite the process of compensating farmers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters. The directive comes in response to a petition filed by Sanjay Kumar against the State of Bihar and others. The court emphasized that the denial of relief to affected farmers infringes upon their right to livelihood as protected under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar, addressed the procedural delays in the compensation process. The court ordered the establishment of a three-member committee to verify claims, assess crop losses, and determine the eligibility of farmers who were left out during the initial compensation phase. This committee has been tasked to submit its findings within 15 days.
The case highlighted the plight of farmers in Muzaffarpur district, where over 1,11,861 farmers have already received compensation totaling approximately Rs. 33.25 crore. However, procedural limitations and digital application barriers left many eligible farmers without compensation. The court directed the committee to conduct field verifications and ensure that no genuine claimant is left unexamined.
During the proceedings, the Director of the Agriculture Department, Bihar, submitted a report detailing the mechanisms in place for disbursing compensation. The report outlined a structured framework involving application, verification, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries. The court, however, noted the need for additional awareness programs to assist farmers in submitting applications, especially for those in remote areas.
The High Court emphasized the necessity of completing the compensation process before the commencement of the Rabi season, urging the authorities to consider earlier reports on crop damage and ownership details of affected farmers. The court scheduled the next hearing for June 24, 2026, expecting a comprehensive affidavit from the Director of Agriculture on the progress made.
The court’s decision underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of farmers and ensuring timely relief amidst bureaucratic challenges. The directive aims to uphold the dignity and livelihood of farmers, ensuring they receive the support needed to recover from natural calamities.
Bottom line:-
Compensation for crop loss - Court directs the establishment of a three-member committee to identify residual cases of farmers affected by crop damage, conduct field verification, and ensure disbursement of compensation without procedural impediments.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India
Sanjay Kumar v. State of Bihar, (Patna)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2903649
