Morung Express News
Dimapur /Kohima | January 23
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench today granted "one more last chance" to the PWD (Works & Housing) Government of Nagaland and the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Housing (MoRTH), Government of India, to resolve an ongoing land compensation issue and disburse the compensation amount to the affected landowner.
‘It is made clear that no further opportunity shall be given to the respondents/contemnor for resolving the issue between the MoRTH and Nagaland’s Works & Housing department,’ stated the order issued by Justice Kakheto Sema while resuming the hearing of the contempt petition related to the issue filed by the Chakhesang Public Organisation and three others.
During the last hearing on December 7, 2022, the Kohima Bench, taking into account that certain clarifications are required between the MoRTH and the Government of Nagaland (GoN), had directed both to resolve the issue on or before January 23, 2024.
However, when the matter came up on January 23, the Additional Advocate General (August) Nagaland sought further time to resolve the issue. Accordingly, Justice Sema noted that the December 17 order had "made clear that the issue shall be resolved on or before the next date and place the same by way of affidavits" and granted the "last chance."
"If, on the next date, the issue is not resolved, this Court will be constrained to pass necessary orders to the respondents/contemnor to disburse the compensation sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to the affected landowner," added the judge.
Mention may be made that in Phek District, the Maytas-Gayatri Damaged Victim Association (PDMGDVA) has been demanding the release of the compensation and most recently resorted to agitation.
