DIMAPUR, MAY 25: The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court on Thursday imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 on Nagaland Government Advocate, V Zhimomi, for “deliberate lapse” in not filing a counter affidavit for nearly 10 months in connection with a Koio Village case.
“In the order dated August 1, 2022, it was recorded that the learned Government Advocate has received the instructions to file affidavit-in-opposition, and three weeks’ time was sought for to file the affidavit-in-opposition. Today, when the matter is listed, Mr. V Zhimomi, learned Government Advocate seeks for two weeks’ time to file affidavit-in-opposition.
“This Court finds that there is deliberate lapse on the part of the Government Advocate in not filing the affidavit-in-opposition. Mr. V Zhimomi, learned Government Advocate, is therefore, imposed a cost of Rs 3,000 (Rupees Three Thousand) for non-filing of the affidavit in time despite receiving the necessary instructions from the Department. The cost so deposited shall be paid to the High Court Bar Association under proper receipt”, stated an order passed by Justice Kakheto Sema.
While listing the case after three weeks, Justice Sema made it clear that if no affidavit is filed then, the case will proceed on the basis of the pleadings available on record.
According to Court records, the case pertains to a writ petition filed in November 2021 by five GBs and 7 Council Members of Koio Village in Wokha District. They had challenged the appointment of another member of Koio Village Council.
(Page News Service)
