Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 27
The Gauhati High Court (GHC) Kohima Bench, on July 26, censured the casual attitude of the Government Advocate representing the State of Nagaland in complying with the Court’s order.
Accordingly, a fine of Rs 5000 was imposed on a Government Advocate in a writ petition concerning the non-release of contract amounts related to two road projects in Dimapur.
Earlier, on June 6, the Court had granted the State the “final opportunity” to file an affidavit-in-opposition to the petition after observing that on several previous occasions, it had failed to do so. ‘For the ends of justice,’ the State was given until July 22 to file the affidavit.
However, when the matter was listed on July 26, the Government Advocate representing the State was neither present in Court nor had an affidavit been filed.
“This Court deprecates such a casual attitude of the Government Advocate in attending to the Order passed by this Court,” stated the order issued by Justice Kakheto Sema.
Accordingly, the concerned Government Advocate was fined Rs 5000 and directed to deposit the amount with the Registrar of the GHC Kohima Bench within 5 days from July 26. The Registrar was also directed to disburse the deposited amount to the president of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association Kohima Bench against proper receipt.
Listing the matter for further hearing on August 20, the order added: “It is expected that the Government will comply with the Court’s order dated 06.06.2024.”
According to the Court’s record, contractors petitioned regarding two road development contracts for Ward No. 4, Dimapur, with work orders issued in June 2014.
The contract values are Rs 240.34 lakhs and Rs 240.55 lakhs. The contractors have completed 71% of the work, amounting to Rs 1,72,206.94 for Package 1 and Rs 1,78,00,446.68 for Package 2.
However, aggrieved by the non-release of the contract amounts, at least in part, the petitioners approached the Court.
The State is yet to respond to the contractors’ claims as per Friday’s proceedings.
