-
No interim order for staying the imposition
-
Listed for hearing on June 3
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 20
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed at the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court against the Nagaland State Government’s COVID cess on petroleum, diesel and other motor spirit items, and the frequent hikes in fuel prices.
The petitioner advocate Neiteo Koza argued that the government’s “unreasonable” move is having a “cascading effect on the economy of the State of Nagaland, shooting up the prices of essential commodities.” He further submitted that because of the cessation of economic activities, poorer sections of society and those who mainly live by earning their daily wages are not able to sustain themselves economically.
“The petitioner also has drawn attention to this Court to protests made by various organizations across the state,” the Court said in its order.
In addition, the PIL also termed the “imposition of this cess and frequent increase in cess” as “unreasonable, illegal and against public interest,” and sought passage of an interim order for staying the imposition of the cess.
The High Court in its order dated May 19 stated that the legality of the cess as well as interim order for staying the imposition would be “considered on filing of affidavit by State respondents.”
Making the notice returnable in two weeks, the Court listed the matter on June 3.
