File status report on 69 NHs, HC tells Centre

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, June 19

The High Court has directed the Union Ministry of Transport and Highways to file status report on 69 “in principle” declared National Highways (NHs) in the state, indicating action taken by it for the execution and completion of these roads.

The state has already filed its status report on the issue which reveals that certain actions in the matter have to be taken by the Union Ministry of Road ransport and Highways. 

After perusing the same, a Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, has directed the Union Ministry of Transport to expedite such actions at the earliest and file status report.

While passing this order, the court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 3.

The court passed this order on a public interest litigation (PIL).

In its previous order, the court had clarified that “the indulgence shown by this court is only as a facilitator and the list, which is definitely not adversarial in nature, is being pursued only for the timely completion of projects in question. Needless to say, parties undertaking the execution work will be governed by the agreements/arrangements entered into between the stakeholders. This court will definitely welcome suggestions from private respondents, as to how best the agreement can be executed at the earliest and this we say so for the larger public interest of earlier completion of roads is involved.”