Shillong, July 23 : The Gauhati High Court today directed the Meghalaya Government to maintain “status quo” on the demolition drive in Polo and adjoining areas.During its hearing today, the Division Bench of the High Court comprising Justice TNK
Singh and Justice Hrishikesh Roy passed the order and posted the case on August 5 for further deliberation.
Supreme Court lawyer Ranjan Mukherjee who is arguing the case in favour of the State Government said that the government has a water tight case and hoped that the Court will pass a verdict in favour of the government.
“The decision of the earlier Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court ordering dismantlement of the illegal structures would stand us in good stead,” advocate Mukherjee said.
On May 25 this year the Principal bench of the High Court asked the Government to demolish all illegal structures along the Wah Umkhrah river.
On July 6, upholding the order of the Court the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority tried to demolish these structures, but the residents under the banner “Greater Iew Polo Welfare Association got a stay order on the same day itself.
There are over 70 houses and shops in the area. The government claims that it has the requisite documents and the people residing in the area are encroachers. However, the residents have filed two writ petitions claiming ownership over the land.
Assam Tribune
