The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has registered a suo motu case against the eviction of a woman from her homestead at Edappally under the provisions of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (Sarfaesi) Act invoked by HDFC Bank.
In an order issued on Thursday, the commission asked the Chief Secretary to take up the matter with the Centre and seek expeditious steps to amend the Sarfaesi Act. “The Chief Secretary, Chief Minister, and the Disaster Relief Fund, Kerala, also may intervene in the matter to avoid the eviction of the poor lady from her dwelling. The District Police Chief, Ernakulam, shall also look into the matter and file a report,” it said.
The commission also sought a report from the manager of HDFC Bank, Aluva, on the incident before its next sitting in Aluva on March 23.
In its order, the commission also said that a copy of the order should be forwarded to the National Human Rights Commission Chairman as there had been similar incidents elsewhere in the country.
According to the commission, Preetha Shaji had stood as surety for loan worth ₹2 lakh released by the bank. However, the bank authorities are now initiating proceedings for the realisation of more that ₹2 crore.
The woman has been on hunger strike for the past 13 days protesting against action taken by the bank.
Earlier in the day, members of Manathupadam Parpida Samrakshana Samiti took out a march to HDFC Bank at Kakkanad. Social activist John Peruvanthanam inaugurated the march. P.T. Thomas, MLA; Purushan Eloor, and V.C. Jenny were among those who spoke on the occasion.
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