Gauhati HC directs Jorhat DC and SP to probe allegation

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Jorhat Deputy Commissioner (DC) to probe the allegation that some elected representatives of the Jorhat Municipal Board have submitted forged educational certificates during elections.

A PIL (PIL/10/2023) was filed in the Gauhati High Court by Amguri Naba Nirman Samity in which it was alleged that some of the elected representatives of Jorhat Municipal Board had resorted to unfair means in submitting forged educational qualification certificates as could be ascertained through information obtained on applications filed under the Right to Information Act, 2005. In this regard, petitioner had approached the authorities concernedby submitting representations to verify such illegal acts and take necessary action. However, nothing materialized, compelling the petitioner to approach the High Court by filing the PIL.

A divisional bench comprising Chief Justice (acting) N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Soumitra Saikia said, "We do not wish to make any comment as regards the allegation that some of the elected representatives of Jorhat Municipal Board had indulged in certain malpractice by forging educational qualifications certificates in as much as it will require proper ascertainment and verification of facts."

The High Court disposed the PIL and directed the Deputy Commissioner, Jorhat "to examine the allegation and take necessary action in accordance with law for which the petitioner will furnish a copy of this PIL to the Deputy Commissioner, Jorhat, which shall be treated as a fresh representation. The Superintendent of Police Jorhat, shall dispose of the said representation in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible, preferably, within a period of three months".