Court asks petitioner to pay over Rs 1 lakh

SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed a petitioner to comply with the order passed by the Deputy Commissioner and District Programme Coordinator, MGNREGS, West Garo Hills for recovery of Rs 1 lakh and also a fine of Rs. 50,000 for misappropriation of funds.
During the hearing on Thursday, Court heard P. Agarwal, counsel for the petitioner, Monser Ali Ahmed, who wanted the withdrawal of the writ petition related to the matter.
However, H. Kharmih, State counsel objected that there was some misappropriation and the order has been passed by the Deputy Commissioner to recover the amount. Petitioner’s counsel was directed to comply with the order of the Deputy Commissioner and District Programme Coordinator, MGNREGS, and thereafter, withdrawal petition will be considered.
The matter has been listed after two weeks.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said the authority can impose a fine as well as recover the misappropriated amount as per the mandate of the Act.