The Gauhati High Court closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking direction to the respondents to take immediate steps for removal of the illegal economic blockade of National Highway 306.
The PIL has been filed by Mizoram Bar Association prayed for the following reliefs:
“That Your Lordships may be graciously pleased to admit this writ petition, issue notice, call for the records, issue rule calling upon the respondents to show cause as to why:
(i) The Hon’ble High Court will not issue an appropriate writ, order or direction asking the respondents to take immediate steps for removal of the illegal and unconstitutional economic blockade of National Highway 306 and the other roads connecting Mizoram with the rest of the country from Assam along with the blockade of the Railway line between SilcharBairabi and to ensure that such illegal and unconstitutional blockade do not take place again in the future.
AND
After hearing the cause that may be shown by the parties to finally make the rule absolute and pass any other necessary orders or directions as deemed fit by the Hon’ble Court.
AND
In the interim to direct the respondents to arrange necessary security escort for safe passage of all essential commodities and medical supplies presently detained at Lailapur, Assam, within 24 hours in order to solve the difficulties faced by the people of Mizoram.”
The respondents have entered their appearance and have filed affidavit-inopposition dated 23.12.2021 through Divisional Security Commissioner, North Eastern Frontier Railway, wherein it is inter alia contended that steps have been taken by the railway authorities.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Rashmin Manharbhai Chhaya and Justice Soumitra Saikia noted that the incident, which took place on 26.07.2021, relates to inter-State border dispute between the States of Assam and Mizoram.
Advocate Generals appearing for the State of Assam and the State of Mizoram have stated that after the incident of 26.07.2021, senior Cabinet Ministers of both the States have held meeting and after the meeting of the senior ministers of both the States, the tension at the border has eased out. It is further stated that now complete peace has prevailed and life in both the States has leapt back to normalcy. The State Governments of both the States are making endeavours to amicably resolve the dispute.
In light of the aforesaid situation prevailing at present, the grievance ventilated in this PIL stands redressed and no further order is required to be passed for granting the relief prayed for in the PIL. Accordingly, the PIL is closed by the High Court.