Court on its own motion vs Principal Secretary (Education) and Others

Kurian Joseph, C.J.—This case was registered as public interest litigation based on a complaint made by the students of Government Degree College, Badsar, District Hamirpur. Inviting reference also to the media reports, it was petitioned that No. effective steps were taken to complete the construction of the building for the College. The Principal Secretary (PWD), Government of Himachal Pradesh filed an affidavit on 27th December, 2010 stating that the work had already been allotted as early as in 2008 and 72% of the work had been completed as on that date and that the building would be completely made operational by the ensuing academic year. Thereafter, by order dated 18th May, 2011, this Court directed the Respondents to file a status report. In the status report filed by the Superintending Engineer, 8th Circle, HP PWD, Hamirpur, it is stated that the work had been targeted to be completed by 31.7.2011. That affidavit was filed on 21.3.2011. The Superintending Engineer Shri V.T. Negi is present before us. It is submitted that the entire work has been completed and the building is ready for occupation by the Education Department. There will be a direction to the Director, Higher Education to take possession of the building from the HP PWD and see that the College is fully made operational on or before 15th August, 2011. The Independence Day celebration for the year 2011 shall be conducted in the new premises.

The writ petition is disposed of.

A copy of this order, duly authenticated by the Court Master, is supplied to the learned Advocate General for communication to the Director, Higher Education.