In Brief
This case concerns farmer suicides in Tamil Nadu brought through public interest litigation. The Supreme Court found that the High Court had wrongly disposed of a writ petition merely by directing use of the Right to Information Act, without addressing the substantive grievances. The Court held that the State has a constitutional duty to actively address farmers' distress—caused by famine, natural disasters, and financial hardship—through both preventive and curative measures. Treating the State as guardian of its citizens and invoking welfare state principles, the Court rejected a passive approach and directed the State to present remedial schemes. An amicus curiae was appointed, and the matter was adjourned for participative engagement.
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