Persons Who Fled To Assam During WB Post Poll Violence Provided Temporary Relief; Left To Their Homes: State Urges Gauhati HC To Close PIL

The State of Assam has informed the Gauhati High Court that 70 displaced persons who had fled from West Bengal to Assam in view of post-poll violence were provided with temporary shelter, food and medicines by the district administration while maintaining Covid-19 protocols.

The State also informed that the affected people have now left to their homes and since there is no more influx in Assam, the PIL instituted in this regard may be closed.

The said PIL moved by Abhijit Sarma and Ravi Cheddilal had sought for rehabilitation measures for victims fleeing from West Bengal to Assam amid violence that erupted following the results of West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections 2021.

The Deputy Commissioner of Kokhrajahar district, Assam filed an affidavit before the High Court, stating:

"The displaced people on arrival was provided with shelter, food and medicine maintaining covid19 protocol by the district administration. The Sub-Divisional Administration of Gossaigaon District provided under Kokrajhar accommodation and shelter to the persons at the Relief Camp set up at Srirarnpur MGR ME Schocl w.e.f. 24.4.2021 to 12.5.2021," the affidavit reads.

It added that the matter relates to the State of West Bengal and thus, after being provided with temporary reliefs, the displaced persons were handed over to Administration of Coochbehar district, West Bengal.

"...there were no children in the entire group of 70 persons who took shelter in Kokhrajhar district and all the 70 persons have subsequently left the relief camp to return to their homes the responsibility under Coochbehar District of Administration, West Bengal. The relief camp was subsequently closed on 12.05.2021," the Assam Government submitted.

"...there has been no further influx of people from west Bengal, and, as such, there are no relief camp that are operational since 12.05.2021...in the above circumstances of the case, the Hon'ble High Court may close the PIL with a direction to the Petitioner to file an appropriate application before the proper forum," it added.

The matter was heard on Thursday following which the High Court granted one last opportunity to Centre for filing its rejoinder in the matter.

"Last opportunity is given to the Union of India to file its rejoinder. The petitioners shall file their reply within one week thereafter. List on 24th September, 2021," the Court said.

The plea filed through Advocate Ditul Das sought setting up of a Committee headed by a retired Judge of the High Court requiring him to visit the camps where such displaced people are living and also to submit a report in this regard.

Alternatively, the plea also sought registration of FIRs in the State of Assam in every case and also prays for directions on the Union of India to make regulations with regards to Internally Displaced Persons.

Title: ABHIJIT SARMA AND ANR v. THE STATE OF ASSAM AND 2 ORS

Click Here To Read Order