By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the state government to conduct spot inspections at all 28 weighbridges across the state following allegations of mismanagement and significant revenue loss.
The directive comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Tenny, who highlighted operational issues at the checkpoints.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh reviewed a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India (Revenue Sector) for the financial year ending March 31, 2022, which estimated a revenue loss of Rs 23.75 crore due to non-functioning or poorly functioning weighbridges.
This figure includes losses from overloading fees, cess, royalties, fines, leases and rents. Similar reports from 2012 onwards were also presented.
However, the respondent’s counsel claimed that the CAG reports did not reflect the current state of affairs and asserted that all weighbridges are now fully operational with no revenue loss.
While the High Court acknowledged that judicial intervention in administrative matters should be exercised cautiously, it found the allegations to be serious enough to warrant further examination.
It noted that a previous writ petition on the issue, disposed of in August 2023, had expressed hope for adequate measures against overloaded vehicles.
To address the concerns, the HC directed the state government to conduct spot inspections of all weighbridges during peak vehicular traffic hours. The Court said these inspections will be conducted incognito, without any public announcement, and only the petitioner will be informed.
The HC said the petitioner or their representative is permitted to observe but not participate in the inspections.
The Court further said the findings, including details of fees, charges and revenue collected during the inspections, are to be compiled in a report signed by the Commissioner of Transport and submitted to the Court by February 10, 2025.
The HC said it will determine further steps based on the inspection report.