Kerala High Court Disposes of Petition for Flood Hero's Family After State Details Financial Aid Package
The Kerala High Court has formally disposed of a long-pending petition that sought financial assistance for the family of the late Jineesh Jerome, a 24-year-old fisherman from Poonthura who was celebrated as a hero for saving nearly 100 lives during the catastrophic 2018 Kerala floods. The court's decision came after recording the state government's detailed submission outlining the comprehensive financial aid already extended to Jerome's bereaved family.
Court Proceedings and Government's Affidavit
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar, was hearing a petition originally filed in 2018 by Michael Varghese Changadakary of Alappuzha. The petitioner had urged the court to direct government authorities to provide substantial financial support to Jerome's family, highlighting their precarious situation following his tragic death.
In response, the state government filed a comprehensive affidavit that meticulously detailed the various forms of financial assistance already provided. According to the official submission:
- A total of Rs 10 lakh was granted as direct financial assistance to the family.
- An additional Rs 2 lakh was released from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund to support them during their time of need.
- Significantly, a flat was officially allotted to Jerome's father based on the strong recommendations of the district-level beneficiary selection committee, which is chaired by the district collector.
After thoroughly reviewing this affidavit and confirming that the state had indeed fulfilled its obligations, the High Court disposed of the petition, bringing legal closure to the matter.
The Heroic Legacy of Jineesh Jerome
Jineesh Jerome's courageous actions during the 2018 Kerala floods earned him widespread admiration and the title of a true hero. As a member of the informal rescue teams often referred to as 'coastal warriors,' Jerome rushed to the severely flood-hit region of Chengannur even before government authorities could formally request assistance. His exceptional swimming skills enabled him to single-handedly save numerous lives.
Eyewitness accounts and reports from the time describe how Jerome repeatedly waded through waist-deep, treacherous waters to evacuate stranded individuals to safety, displaying remarkable bravery and selflessness. His efforts were instrumental during one of Kerala's worst natural disasters, making him a symbol of community resilience and humanitarian spirit.
Tragic Demise and Family's Plight
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jerome's life was cut short in September 2018 when he died in a motorcycle accident at Chinnathurai in Kanyakumari. He had traveled there with a friend in search of employment opportunities, highlighting the economic challenges he faced despite his heroic status.
The petitioner's case underscored that Jerome was the sole breadwinner for his family, who were already struggling after losing their home during Cyclone Ockhi. Following that disaster, the family had been forced to live in a rented house, compounding their financial and emotional distress after Jerome's untimely death.
The state's intervention through financial aid and housing allocation represents a crucial step in acknowledging Jerome's sacrifice and providing his family with much-needed stability and support, ensuring that his legacy of bravery is honored with tangible assistance.
