In Brief
Following the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods and landslides, the Supreme Court examined whether disaster management laws were properly implemented. The Court found that the National Disaster Management Authority and States had substantially complied with the Disaster Management Act, 2005, including formulating national and state plans and relief standards. While discretionary advisory committees need not be mandated, the Court stressed that authorities must remain vigilant, ensure complete preparedness, and publish regular reports. The petitions were disposed with commendation for highlighting the importance of statutory compliance in disaster preparedness.
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