S Donthong v. H Gyan Prakash and 3 Ors

O R D E R [1] This contempt case was instituted alleging willful disobedience to the order dated 25-09-2018 passed by this Court in WP(C) No. 7 of 2014. By the said common order passed in a batch of cases, including WP(C) No. 7 of 2014, a learned Judge of this Court thought it appropriate to direct the authorities to re-examine the claim of the petitioners in those cases, in the light of the joint verification made by the State authorities in respect of all left out cases of Khuga Dam submerged area, and if it was found that the petitioners were some of the left out cases who had not been paid any compensation, the authorities were directed to do the needful for payment of compensation after verifying the records. The writ petitions were disposed of with these directions. [2] There is no representation for Mr. G. Khupchinpao, learned counsel for the petitioner. Dr. R.K. Deepak, learned counsel, appears for respondent Nos. 1 & 3. Mr. M. Devananda, learned Addl. Advocate General, Manipur, appears for respondent No. 6, and placed before the Court a copy of the Orders dated 30-01-2023 of the Commissioner, Water Resources, Government of Manipur, in proof of compliance with the direction of this Court. Para therein reflects that the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, conducted an enquiry, wherein the petitioner also participated and he produced only the Dag Chitha. According to the petitioner, all other documents pertaining to his claim were submerged and could not be found. The Deputy Commissioner accordingly submitted a report on 26-08-2022, concluding that there was no substance in the claims of the petitioner and the other two claimants.

[3] Mr. M. Devananda, learned Addl. Advocate General, Manipur, would inform this Court that a copy of the aforestated Orders dated 30-01-2023 was also furnished to Mr. G. Khupchinpao, learned counsel, and he was agreeable to the closure of this contempt case, reserving liberty to the petitioner to challenge the aforestated orders in accordance with law. [4] In that view of the matter, CONT.CAS(C) No. 165 of 2019 is closed, leaving it open to the petitioner to seek redressal of his grievance, if any, in the context of the Orders dated 30-01-2023 of the Commissioner, Water Resources, Government of Manipur.

No order as to costs.

CHIEF JUSTICE Victoria NINGOM BAM VICTORIA by NINGOMBAM VICTORIA Date: 2023.01.31 16:15:23 +05'30'

Item No. 7 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR AT IMPHAL Shri S. Donthong, aged about 65 years, son of (L) Luanchin of Lamzang Village, P.O., P.S. & District: Churachandpur, Manipur, Pin- 795001. …Petitioner - Versus - 1. Shri H. Gyan Prakash, IAS, Commissioner Cum Secretary (Revenue), Government of Manipur, Secretariat South Block, Imphal – 795001, Manipur. 2. Jacintha Lazarus, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary/IFC now Water Resource, Government of Manipur, Secretariat, Imphal – 795001. 3. Shri Pawan Yadav, IAS, the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, District, Churachandpur, Pin – 795128. 4. Mr. Songput Ngulkhansiam Albert, The Chief Engineer, I & FCD now Water Resource Department, Manipur, Khoyathong, Imphal, Pin – 795001. 5. Shri N. Kheda Varta Singh, IRS, Secretary (Revenue), Government of Manipur, Secretariat, South Block, Imphal, Manipur – 795001. 6. Shri T. Ranjit Singh, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary (Water Resources), Government of Manipur, Secretariat (Old Building), South Block, Imphal, Manipur – 795001. [vide order dated 09-08-2022 in MC(CONT.CAS(C)) No. 65 of 2022, R-5 & R-6 are impleaded] …Respondents B E F O R E HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR. SANJAY KUMAR For the petitioner : None appears For the respondents : Dr. R.K. Deepak, Advocate Mr. M. Devananda, Addl. AG Date of order : 31-01-2023