Non-compliance of directions on road conditions, HC expresses discontent over AMC report

The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction over the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) compliance report on road conditions. The court said it would rather rely on the state legal service authority’s report than the AMC’s affidavit and explanations.

The bench of Justices AJ Shastri and JC Doshi has sought details by April 28 from AMC about the officer concerned for ensuring compliance and maintenance of roads. Justice Shastri, during a brief hearing on Tuesday, remarked that going by the state legal service authority’s report, “it appears prima facie there is no compliance” with regards to maintaining a good condition of roads in the city.

The bench was hearing a contempt petition pertaining to wilful disobedience of orders by Gujarat HC. The petition was linked to an earlier plea about the handling of stray cattle menace, improving conditions of roads, and maintaining traffic in the city.

In an affidavit dated April 15, filed by Deputy Municipal Commissioner, AMC Engineering Department, the civic body said that between March 2022 and April 2023, most of the work that was “in progress” or was being planned, has been completed. The court is scheduled to hear the matter next on April 28.