Shillong, June 9: The Meghalaya High Court on Monday impleaded the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) as a respondent in a PIL on the condition of NH-06 between Jowai and Ratacherra, and directed the NHAI to submit a fresh status report within three weeks.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh was hearing a PIL filed by Kynjaimon Amse, now deceased, against NHAI and others.
During the hearing, NHAI counsel S Sengupta submitted a fresh status report on the Jowai-Ratacherra section up to June 5, 2026, along with photographs showing micro piling work and construction of retaining walls to prevent landslides.
The court took the report on record.
The issue of potholes on certain sections maintained by PWD was raised by Amicus Curiae S Panthi on May 14.
The court had then directed Additional Advocate General K. Khan to ensure potholes were filled.
On Monday, Khan informed the court that the section in question is actually maintained by NHIDCL, not PWD, and requested that notice be issued to NHIDCL.
“In view of Mr. Khan’s submission, NHIDCL is added as party respondent No.4. The Registry to take steps to implead NHIDCL as party respondent forthwith during the course of the day. Issue notice to the newly added respondent-NHIDCL returnable within three weeks,” the bench ordered.
The court also directed the Amicus to inform NHIDCL of the next date to enable it to depute counsel. NHAI counsel sought six weeks to complete micropiling and retaining wall works, but the court granted three weeks instead and asked NHAI to file a fresh status report on the next date.
“At this stage, learned counsel appearing for the NHAI seeks further time of six weeks to complete the whole process of micropiling, retaining wall etc. Presently, we deem it appropriate to grant time of three weeks. Fresh status report to be submitted by the NHAI on the next date,” the order said.
The matter has been posted for July 2.
