Forced sterilisation: HC issues notices to Centre, state government

The Kerala High Court on Monday issued notices to the Central and State Governments on a petition challenging the alleged forced sterilisation of tribal communities in Wayanad.

The petition was filed by Kerala Prakthana Gothra Sangam president C K Krishnan.

The petitioner pointed out that in November, 2010, as many as 40 men, many from primitive tribal groups, were subject to forced sterilisation at Bathery Taluk Hospital in Wayanad.

“Mass sterilisation had been carried out in Kolpara, Puthumal, Ambedkar Paniya Colony, Chooralmala and Idinyakolly in Thrikkarpet. The process of sterilisation has been done in a casual and unskilled manner.

It resulted in severe health complications. In 2010, one member of the Kuttunayaka tribal community died after sterilisation.

By implementing the population policy, there is a regression in the communities,” the petition pointed out.

According to the petitioner, the government has failed to provide full access to health, nutritional and educational entitlements, and has further endangered their lives by an irrational population policy. So the petitioner sought an investigation into the issue.

However, appearing for the state, State Attorney P Vijayaraghavan submitted that the sterilisation was conducted as part of the ‘small family-happy family’ policy of the Central Government.

This was done after ensuring the quality and with the consent of the person. If the sterilisation failed, compensation will be given through the insurance agency.

Couples who have three or more children can undergo sterilisation. In some cases, those with two children were also considered, state said.