Dimapur, October 28 (MExN): The ACAUT Nagaland has expressed appreciation for five “socially committed persons” who have written a petition to the Chief justice of the Gauhati High Court regarding the non-completion of the new High Court building at Meriema, Kohima. “That the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court has taken note of the petition and taken up the subject matter as PIL on suo-moto is gratifying,” stated the ACAUT Nagaland in a press release today. Further, the ACAUT acknowledged that, “This petition/PIL should be an eye opener for the government which has crossed all limits of decency with the court acknowledging the prayer of the petitioners, namely, Kito Achumi, Odi Jamir, Langwang Konyak, Kevito I. Sumi and S.T. Yapang Jamir to fix responsibility for the manner in which the construction has been delayed.” It held that the Nagaland State Government “has much explaining to do before the court whether Crores of rupees meant for the construction of the HC building was mis-utilized or not.” According to the petition, the initial cost of the new high court building and complex at Meriema, Kohima, was Rs. 43.75 crore, with the foundation stone laid in 2007 along with Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya states. The Nagaland Tribes Council had first brought this issue to public attention. While these other states have completed the construction of their High Court buildings, and up and working since 2013, the construction cost of the project in Nagaland was revised. By 2017, the estimated cost of the project had been raised to Rs. 161.10 crore, informed ACAUT Nagaland. Further, an amount of Rs. 22.42 crore was allegedly drawn against construction of a ‘Judges’ bungalow.’ However, according to the petition, “there is not even an area earmarked for Judges Bungalow at present.” Further, Rs. 44.24 lakh was drawn for electrification and water supply works against the non-existent building. An amount of Rs. 1.30 crore was allegedly paid as ‘consultancy fees’ against the ‘Judges’ bungalow.’ The ACAUT Nagaland hoped that more conscientious lawyers and citizens like the five petitioners would “come forward take up the fight against corruption.”
