High Court gives Nagaland govt. and MoRTH ‘one last chance’ to resolve compensation issue in Phek

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland department of Works and Housing has been given ‘one last chance’ to resolve issues that have caused delay in release of compensation to victims of damaged infrastructure along the two-lane Zunheboto – Chakhabama and Pfutsero – Phek Road under Phek district.

Hearing a civil contempt petition on January 23, Justice Kakheto Sema noted that the court had previously issued an order on Dec. 7, 2023, mandating that the state department and the Ministry of Road Transport & Housing (MoRTH), Government of India resolve the matter by the next date (Jan. 23), with details submitted through affidavits.

The respondents in this case include the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH); Nagaland Chief Secretary; and Executive Engineer, Government of India, MoRTH Regional Officer (Civil), Guwahati.

However, during the hearing on Tuesday, the Additional Advocate General of Nagaland, LT Sangtam sought for more time to resolve the issue between the two government authorities.

In this connection, the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court accordingly granted one last chance to resolve the issue and disburse the compensation amount to the affected land owners.

Listing the matter again on February 29, the court categorically stated that “no further opportunity shall be given to the respondents/contemnor for resolving the issue between the Ministry of Road Transport and Housing, Government of India, as well as the Government of Nagaland, Works and Housing Department.

“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 and Highways to the affected land owner,” the order stated.

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