By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 16: The High Court of Meghalaya has found flip-flops in the stand taken by the Commissioner of Transport, Meghalaya in the affidavits pertaining to weighbridges.
During a hearing on a PIL on Wednesday, the government advocate tendered an affidavit on behalf of the Transport department. It was affirmed by AM Sangma, Commissioner of Transport department.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, perused the affidavit dated 15th April, 2026 and tendered on Wednesday, along with the earlier report dated 8th May, 2025 and several affidavits filed by the respondent-State including the affidavit dated 28th November, 2024.
“We find several flip-flops in the stand taken by the Commissioner of Transport, Meghalaya, Shillong in the said report/affidavits. Prima facie, we feel that an attempt is being made to mislead this Court,” the bench observed.
The bench said in some places, it was stated that some of the weighbridges do not exist, although some earlier reports showed their existence, albeit in a non-functional state. The bench further stated that nothing was mentioned about the weighbridge in Gonglangre, South West Garo Hills.
“From the affidavit, it appears that an attempt is being made to delay the construction of weighbridges… As noted in the earlier orders, non-functioning of these weighbridges has led to loss of huge revenue to the state government,” the bench said.
“We find no seriousness in ensuring that the weighbridges are made functional. When the aforesaid was pointed out to the Government Advocate in the presence of the Commissioner of Transport department, the Government Advocate sought time to address our concerns,” the bench further stated.
Considering the flip-flops, the bench deemed it appropriate to direct the Advocate General to appear in the matter, as it did not find any seriousness by authorities in the construction or making the weighbridges functional.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that the petitioner is ready to check some of the weighbridges in question, provided police security is given to him as he apprehends danger to his life.
“Government Advocate/Commissioner of Transport Department to ensure that a vehicle is made available to the petitioner to enable him to visit some of the weighbridges. The Superintendent of Police, East Garo Hills district, Williamnagar, is directed to ensure that an armed policeman is given to the petitioner on his visit to and fro all the weighbridges,” the bench ordered.
