Dr. D. Y. CHANDRACHUD, J.:- The genesis of these proceedings is an alarming occurrence of suicides by cultivators in diverse parts of the State of Maharashtra. All India Bio Dynamic and Organk Farming Association addressed a letter to the Chief Justice expressing serious concern over suicides by farmers in the District of Jalna. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was impleaded as a party to these proceedings and was requested, to submit comprehensive report dealing with the causes of suicide by farmers in the State. The State Government and the Union Ministry of Agriculture were called upon to respond to the serious issues which are raised in these proceedings.

2. On 11th January, 2005, the Chief Secretary to the State Government stated before the Court on affidavit that between 1st January, 2004 and 31st December, 2004, there were reports of 294 cases of suicide by farmers. Of them, the largest number - 109, was from· Yavatmal, followed by 39 in Buldhana, 37 in Washim and 35 in Amravati. The State Government informed the Court that as and when such cases are brought to the notice of Divisional Commissioners, an enquiry is carried out by Tahsildars or by Sub-Divisional Of

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