Nagpur High Court Delivers Stern Rebuke to NHAI Official Over Highway Project Delays
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court delivered a sharp rebuke to a National Highways Authority of India official on Tuesday. The court questioned the project director's conduct regarding prolonged delays and safety failures on the Nagpur-Katol road. Judges refused to accept his unconditional apology.
Court Questions Official's Loyalties
"You take salary from public funds but work for the contractor. You are more concerned about the contractor's interest than the public," the court observed orally. This strong statement came from a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode.
The bench was hearing two public interest litigations concerning the deteriorating condition of the highway. The judges expressed clear frustration with the ongoing situation.
Details of the Petitions
One petition came from Katol residents Dinesh Sheshrao Thakre and Sumit Babuta. They raised concerns about the stalled Nagpur-Katol project. Another petition was filed by advocate Arun Patil. Senior counsel Firdos Mirza represented Patil during the proceedings.
Advocate Mahesh Dhatrak appeared for the Katol residents. Advocate Anish Kathane represented the National Highways Authority of India in court.
Project Delays and Misleading Information
The petitions highlighted significant problems with the highway project. Four-laning work between the 13km and 62.9km markers had been completely stalled for over two years. Two different contractors received awards for this work.
The court noted that financial assistance for the project ended in 2023. Work was supposed to finish by October 28, 2023. Despite these deadlines, large stretches of the highway remained unfinished and unsafe for public use.
The bench also recorded that the NHAI project director previously placed misleading information before the court. This earlier action prompted the court to issue a show-cause notice. The notice asked why contempt proceedings should not start against the official.
Unconditional Apology Rejected
On Tuesday, the project director offered an unconditional apology to the court. He stated there was no intention to commit contempt of court. The bench refused to accept this apology.
Judges cited a repeated pattern of conduct as their reason for rejection. "This is not your first time. Earlier too, you did not take orders seriously," the judges told the official directly.
The court's firm stance reflects growing impatience with bureaucratic delays affecting critical infrastructure projects. Local residents continue to face daily challenges due to the unfinished highway work.
