NHAI tendered apology to Meghalaya High Court for producing recycled photographs of repair works in NH -6

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 8, 2024

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday tendered apology to the High Court of Meghalaya for submission of recycled photographs to assert their claim of repair work done along Jowai to Ratacherra Road on NH-06.

The apology was tendered by S. Sengupta, learned counsel representing NHAI during the hearing of PIL No. 11 of 2022 filed by Kynjaimon Amse versus NHAI & Others.

The Court informed that an affidavit has been filed by Amse in response to the report filed earlier by the respondents. Amse also enclosed with the affidavit, photographs taken on 26.01.2024 on NH-6 at Sonapyrdi Village, around Sonapur Tunnel, Kuliang Village, Pyrtakuna Village, Dona Umbluh Village and Ratacherra-Malidor (Assam Border). 

The Court  observed that the condition of the road at  Kuliang Village and Pyrtakuna Village, are alarming to say the least, inasmuch as, the picture of the bridge as annexed, even to the naked eye, appears that the bridge is impassable and unfit for vehicular movement.

The Court noted with serious concern the condition of this stretch of the Highway.

Sengupta also produced a communication dated 06.02.2024 signed by the Project Director, wherein a status report as on 05.02.2024, with regard to the Jowai-Ratacherra road on NH-6.

 The Court observed that though some pictures depict that some repair works are undergoing, the Project Director it appears, has recycled the photographs in as much as, the same photographs were produced before this Court as part of the earlier status report dated 11.12.2023.

The Court expresses its displeasure at the flippant attitude adopted by the NHAI, in conducting the proceedings, which are in public interest. 

Sengupta tendered his apology, by submitting that these photographs have inadvertently been included again, and also submits that this will not be repeated in future.    

 The Court accepted the apology, and also allowed Sengupta to file a detailed affidavit and status report, to the last affidavit filed by the petitioner. 

The Court directed urgent repairs as required, are attended to at the earliest.