Authority: High Court of Meghalaya at Shillong
Order Date: 10 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Kitbor Khongiong, Embison Momin, Darmen G Momin, Selveston Momin, residents of Jorabat and Khanapara area, filed WP(C) No. 16 of 2026 seeking a writ of mandamus against alleged illegal closure of median openings and access points on National Highway‑27 (Khanapara‑Jorabat) by the State of Assam.
- Respondents: Union of India (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways), State of Meghalaya, State of Assam, National Highways Authority of India (central office, G‑5 & 6, Sector‑10, Dwarka and Regional Office‑Guahati), Project Director, PIU‑Guwahati, Deputy Commissioner Ri‑Bhoi, Superintendent of Police Ri‑Bhoi, Director General of Police Assam.
- Relief sought: Direction that any closure, regulation, diversion or alteration of median openings on NH‑27 be made only under the determination of NHAI (respondents 4‑6).
- Developments: Counsel for NHAI (Mr A. Duarah) informed the Court that the authorized median openings at CRPF Gate 1 and Gate 2 have been reopened, rendering the petition “infructuous.”
- Petitioners’ counter‑argument (Mr S. Sen): Although the authorized openings are reopened, unauthorized cuts remain near Montfort School and Jorabat Police Station, allegedly made by Assam Police without NHAI’s knowledge or sanction. Cited NHAI Works Manual 2006, Clause 9.6.7, which mandates immediate closure of unauthorized median cuts and lodging of an FIR against the responsible agency.
- Assistant Advocate General for the State (Mr N.D. Chullai) accepted the petitioners’ submission, emphasizing that any median work must follow the Manual and be known to the Superintendent of Police of the concerned district.
Final Outcome
- The Court notes that while the authorized openings have been restored, the existence of unauthorized median cuts is a matter of concern.
- The Court directs respondents 4, 5 and 6 (NHAI central and regional offices) to maintain strict vigilance and control over the medians on NH‑27.
- Any future median cut must be carried out only after prior information is given to NHAI and the Superintendent of Police of the relevant district.
- The writ petition is therefore disposed of as closed.
Topics: Road Infrastructure, Legal Compliance, Judicial Direction