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Morung Express News
Kohima | November 5
The Gauhati High Court’s Kohima Bench has issued notice to the Centre, Nagaland Government and private firms on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging irregularities in the award of a road construction contract by the State Public Works Department (PWD).
A Division Bench of Justice Budi Habung and Justice Helen Daungliani, in an order dated November 4, directed the respondents to file their responses within five weeks and listed the matter thereafter.
As per the order, the PIL concerns the contract for construction of the Kijumetouma–Kughu River road via Iphonu, Ghathasi, Mukali, Shesulimi and Kichilimi, covering Phase II from Ghathashi to Tsui River.
The petitioner alleged that Swarn Jayanti Construction Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, and Jordan Construction, Dimapur, formed a joint venture to secure the contract, and that the former submitted inflated and fabricated financial documents.
The petition also alleged discrepancies between the joint venture’s financial documents, its statements available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal and PWD payment records.
It further raised concerns over GST proceedings, alleging that Rs 1,28,38,335 in GST remained unpaid to the State and Central governments. However, the allegations are yet to be examined on merits.
