The writ petition filed by Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has been dismissed today by the Meghalaya High Court as none appeared for the petitioner.
In the earlier hearings on the case, no lawyer appeared on behalf of the HPC.
Similarly, during today’s hearing by the bench of Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew, none appeared on behalf of the HPC.
“None appears on behalf of the petitioner. On the last occasion i.e. 26.04.2022 when the matter was listed, none appeared on behalf of the petitioner. Accordingly, the matter stands dismissed for non-prosecution,” Justice Thangkhiew said in his order.
It may be mentioned that HPC had moved the writ petition before the High Court challenging the Notification dated June 4, 2018 issued by the Meghalaya government on setting up of the High Level Committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for the purpose of examination of all relevant records and documents relating to relocation of residents of Sweeper Colony at Them Ïew Mawlong here.
As per the notification, the High Level Committee was also directed to recommend a practically feasible solution(s) for relocation of the residents of Sweeper Colony.
The HPC stated that the High Level Committee held several meetings and had taken various decisions and in pursuant of these decisions, the HPC said it apprehends eviction of the residents.
Further, on April 9, 2021, the High Court in an order passed by Justice Ranjit More directed that both the State government, High Level Committee and HPC shall maintain status quo in respect of Sweeper Colony.
On April 13 this year, leaders of the HPC and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had a meeting whereby the State government informed that the residents of the colony would be relocated and an alternative place would be selected by the government where they can be accommodated.
