In a stern rebuke, the Gauhati High Court chastised the Assam government on Wednesday for its lackluster response to a petition addressing the chronic waterlogging in Guwahati [North East Eco Development Society v. State of Assam and Ors.].
Presiding over the case, Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kardak Ete expressed their frustration, noting the State’s apparent indifference to resolving the issue. The court consequently imposed a ₹1,000 fine on each delinquent State department.
“The (State) Departments seem unconcerned with solving Guwahati’s waterlogging problem. Despite the ample time provided, no response has been filed. In the interest of justice, we extend another opportunity for these Departments to respond, subject to a ₹1,000 fine per Department, payable to the Gauhati High Court Legal Services Authority,” read the Court’s June 26 order.
The public interest litigation (PIL) in question highlighted persistent waterlogging issues plaguing Guwahati. On June 3, the Court had mandated a ten-day deadline for various State departments, including the Forest and Environment Department, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the Assam Disaster Management Authority, and the Divisional Forest Officer (Kamrup division), to file their responses.
Yet, by June 26, these departments had failed to comply, prompting the Court to extend the deadline to July 19 with the added financial penalty.
Representing the petitioner, the North East Eco Development Society, was Advocate SU Ahmed.
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