SRI TAZUDDIN AHMED Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. A.R. Sikdar, learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. B. Goswami, learned Additional Advocate General, Assam assisted by Mr. S. Chutia, learned counsel and Mr. S. C. Keyal, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India assisted by Ms. P. Baruah, learned counsel.

(2.) This petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by 8 petitioners who are all residents of Barpeta district in the State of Assam seeking following reliefs:

(3.) According to the petitioners, the area in question i.e., Bahari, Pazarbhanga and other adjoining areas of Barpeta district have been badly affected by erosion of river Brahmaputra from time to time. Schemes were announced to prevent erosion or to reduce impact of erosion but those have not been successful. As a result, thousands of families have been displaced leading to loss of property and livelihood. Such displacement has also led to various other socio-economic fall outs. Particular reference has been made to two schemes undertaken in recent times including during the years 2004-05, 2007-08 and 2008-09 to contend that instead of utilization of such funds for the mandated purpose, those have been siphoned off by contractors in collusion with Government officials responsible for execution of anti-erosion measures in the area. It is in this context that present PIL came to be filed in the year 2013.