In Brief
Residents of Kasaragod district in Kerala affected by toxic pesticide (Endosulfan) exposure filed a contempt petition after the State Government failed to comply with a 2017 Supreme Court order directing compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to each victim within three months and provision of medical facilities. Five years later, only eight petitioners had received compensation. The Court held that State failure to protect fundamental rights and implement court orders constitutes contempt and ongoing violation of Article 21. The Court affirmed its obligation to award compensation as exemplary damages and ordered immediate payment of costs, monthly monitoring meetings, and complete implementation of the 2017 judgment.
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