Steps against land encroachers in Kamrup (M): Gauhati HC flags delay in compliance with its order

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: While remarking that Assam's Revenue & Disaster Management Department has not complied with an earlier order dated June 8 this year in connection with a suo moto case regarding encroachment of the Government land in the Kamrup (M) district, the Gauhati High Court has passed a directive that if no affidavit is filed before the next date of hearing, the Additional Chief Secretary of the department will have to remain personally present in the court to assist it during the next hearing of the matter.

The observed that the Revenue & Disaster Management Department has not complies with the earlier order even though time was granted on July 25 and August 16 last.

"It appears that every time different Government Advocates appear and ask for time. As recorded in the order dated 08.06.2022, Ms N Bordoloi appeared for the Revenue Department. On 25.07.2022 again Ms N Bordoloi appeared. On 16.08.2022 Ms M Bhattacharjee, Additional Senior Government Advocate, Assam appeared and asked for time. Today (September 13), Mr J Handique has appeared for the Revenue Department. It is a matter of fact that the order dated 08.06.2022 has not been complied with… in spite of time being granted repeatedly."

It is pertinent to mention that after the High Court had initiated suo moto proceedings regarding encroachment of Government land in the Kamrup (M) district, 86 persons had moved an Interlocutory Application to seek impleadment in the case as respondents. These persons contended that they are authorised to occupy the land in question by virtue of being employees and heirs of employees of the National Textile Corporation Ltd.

The High Court had accepted their application on June 8 last. During that hearing, the counsel of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department had informed the court that proceedings had been already initiated before the competent authority against the unauthorized occupants under the provisions of the Assam Land Grabbing Act, 2020. Thereupon, the court directed the counsel to furnish more details about the proceedings against the unauthorized occupants, which has not been done so far.

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