Meghalaya HC directs spot inspection of weighbridges across the state

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 5, 2024

The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday directed a spot inspection of each of 28 weighbridges following a PIL alleging the inaction or mismanagement of the government in operating them.

Passing an interim order on the matter, the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said, “(i) A spot inspection for two hours will be conducted by the respondents, in the presence of the petitioner or his representative, in each of the weighbridges at checkpoints on one day at the time when vehicular traffic is the greatest. Such inspection shall be incognito, that is to say without making any public announcement. We clarify that only the petitioner is to be informed who shall keep the inspection secret. The petitioner shall not conduct any inspection but shall be present only. (ii) Any overloading fee, charges, revenue, etc. realised out of such inspection shall be stated in a report and submitted before the Court. The report shall be signed by the Commissioner of Transport. On the basis of this report, the Court shall decide any further steps to be taken in furtherance of this PIL. The report is to be submitted by 10th February, 2025. (iii) List this PIL once again on 12 th February, 2025.”

The order said that the court’s attention was also invited by the counsel for the petitioner (Tennydard M Marak) to a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Revenue Sector) for the year ended 31st March, 2022 where non -realisation of revenue on account of non -functioning or below par functioning of the weighbridge was estimated at Rs.23.75 crore. This revenue, inter alia, comprise s of overloading fee, cess and “royalty” in case of export materials, fine, lease, rent and so on. Similar reports for the previous years from 2012 were also placed before the Court indicating loss of revenue.