Eviction Drives: Gauhati High Court Seeks Report On Number Of Shelter Camps in Assam

The Gauhati High Court in a suo motu PIL sought a report from Assam Government regarding the exact number of temporary shelter camps in the entire state wherein people who have been displaced on account of eviction drives are being housed.

The division bench of the Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita further directed:

“The statistics would include the gender-wise distribution as well as the number of children sheltered in all these camps.”

Earlier, the court requested Senior Advocate, B.D. Konwar to act as Amicus Curiae in the matter and inspect the the site of the temporary shelter at Changmaji Gaon, Mouza- Jamunamukh, Sub-Division- Daboka, District-Hojai.

In his report, Konwar highlighted that there is lack of proper drinking water facility in the camp. The report further indicated that as an immediate remedial measure, properly filtered water supply is needed in the camp.

The court directed that concerned authorities shall immediately address the issues highlighted in the report.

“Potable water supply shall immediately be started in the camp. The steps taken/proposed to be taken for rehabilitation of the displaced families shall also be elaborated in the counter affidavit to be filed on behalf of the State,” the court said.

The court directed the State to file counter affidavit with requisite details within ten days.

The matter is again listed on May 8.

Case Title: In Re-Plight of Children in Temporary Shelter Homes v. The State of Assam

Coram: The Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita

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