HC directs A2Z Ltd to appear in NH PIL
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 12 2018: Division Bench High Court of Manipur directed the officials of M/S A2Z Infra Engineering Limited to appear on the next date of hearing of the PIL filed regarding the condition of the National Highways of the State, for passing appropriate order.

The Division Bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice N Kotiswar and Justice Kh Nobin, heard Amicus Curiae of the PIL, A Romenkumar and Th Joykumar, senior counsel, N Jotendro, CGC, S Suresh and S Samarjeet, Senior GA of the State, RS Reishang and the counsel of the respondent Lenin Hijam.

The Bench also heard Superintending Engineer, PWD, Joykumar Singh, Executive Engineer PWD, Kh Ibohal , Assistant Engineers PWD, A Arun and H Bhogendro.

It was submitted before the Bench on behalf of the PWD that the agencies concerned had not properly finished their works regarding laying of cables along National Highway number 37, thereby damaging the road.

It was also suggested that if the agencies co-ordinate properly with the PWD, the problem can be sorted out otherwise the agencies have to reimburse PWD for repairing the damages.

The Division Bench after hearing the submission, reasoned that the presence of all the agencies concerned with laying cables along the National Highway, is required.

In this regard, S Samarjeet submitted that he had informed M/S A2Z Infra Engineering Ltd but no one appeared on its behalf.

Accordingly the Division Bench directed the officials of M/ S A2Z Infra Engineering Ltd to be present on the next date of hearing.

With regard to Railtel, S Samarjeet further submitted that the agency is under the Indian Railways and he could not furnish the High Court notice of December 22 last year to the said agency.

The Court was also informed that the Railtel's office is located in the same building as MM Gas Agency, at RIMS road, Lalambung.

As such the Court directed Railtel to be informed though a special messenger, to appear before the Court on the next date of hearing.

Regarding BSNL, W Dinesh (Division Engineer, NEFT) was present in person before the Court and submitted that the overall in-charge (Deputy General Manager) NEFT related to the work being taken up along the National Highway, is located at Jorhat.

Hence, the Court directed the Deputy General Manager NEFT or any other authorized official to be present before the Court on the next hearing.

The Division Bench also heard another issue related to maintenance work at the segment of the National Highway between Tendongyang and Koubru Leikha, for which the Bench had directed all authorities concerned to expedite their works.

Y Joykumar, SE PWD, submitted that there are certain difficulties in expediting the work but the Bench reasoned that the process does not merit any delay as the working season in this part of the country is normally till March and it would not be feasible to perform any maintenance work on the National Highways after the onset of monsoon.

Considering the urgency of the matter, the Court fixed January 17 for passing appropriate order regarding the PlL and instructed all the officials and the Amicus Curiae to be present on the said date.

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