Departments Are Not Serious In Solving Problem Of Water Logging In Guwahati: High Court Imposes Cost For Not Filing Response To PIL

The Gauhati High Court imposed a cost of Rs. 1,000/- each on each of the Departments of the State government arrayed as Respondents in a PIL due to their failure to file responses in a PIL pertaining to the problem of water logging.

North East Eco Development Society filed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) before the Court, raising the issue regarding the water logging in the city of Guwahati.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kardak Ete observed, "As noticed on 03.06.2024, the petitioner has raised a serious issue regarding water logging in the city of Guwahati, which is persisting since long. It appears that the aforesaid Departments are not serious in solving the problem of water logging in the Guwahati city, as despite specific time granted to them, no response has been filed till date."

Advocate S.U. Ahmed appeared on behalf of the petitioner in this case. 

On June 3, 2024, the High Court took note that response on behalf of the State of Assam through the Additional Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Assam, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Chief Executive Officer, Assam Disaster Management Authority and the Divisional Forest Officer, Kamrup Division was not filed and hence, ten (10) days' time was granted to file counter to the Writ Petition, on behalf of the said Departments. However, no response was filed on behalf of the said Departments.

"In the interest of justice, we grant one more opportunity to the aforesaid Departments to file their response to the Writ Petition, subject to the condition that each of the Department shall pay cost of Rs.1,000/- (Rupees one thousand) only, with the Gauhati High Court Legal Services Authority", it directed. 

Accordingly, the Court listed the case on July 19, 2024. 

Cause Title- North East Eco Development Society v. The State of Assam and 3 Ors.

Click here to read/download the Order