Morung Express News
Kohima | March 15
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, on March 15, has directed the Additional Advocate General (AAG), Nagaland representing the State Government to file an affidavit by March 22 indicating the steps taken as directed by the Court during the last hearing.
The Division Bench comprising of Justices JS Jamir and Kakheto Sema gave the direction while resuming the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with regard to three road projects in Meluri sub-division.
During the last hearing on February 22, the Bench was informed that Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Works & Housing has issued show cause notice to the concerned (former) Executive Engineer under R&B, Phek Division, who allegedly issued false ‘completion certificate’ for an incomplete road project in Meluri sub-division.
The show cause notice, as per the proceeding of the Court was issued on February 7, with a 30-day deadline.
Observing that the deadline of the show cause notice is March 10, the Bench further instructed the AAG to “come instructed on the development, if any that has taken place following the issuance of the show cause notice,” on the next day of hearing.
The AAG Nagaland on February 22 was also directed to come with instructions on whether the money had been released to the Contractor following the issuance of Completion Certificate given by the Executive Engineer.
However, with the AAG coming to the March 15 hearing without filing an affidavit, the Bench issued the direction.
As per Court records, the PIL was filed on November 10, 2020 on grounds that the contractor for the three road projects which are a part of one stretch of road, had ‘fraudulently’ withdrawn money without completing the works, and in violation of the terms and conditions of the work orders.
Among others, the petitioners of the PIL had alleged that a completion certificate for the first project between Lephori to Molhe Post was issued by the EE in January 2014, though the work was not completed.
