The Gauhati High Court has strongly criticised the Assam Government over the condition of families evicted from Goalpara district, emphasising that the right to life under the Constitution includes the right to live with dignity.
Hearing a petition filed by 60 affected persons, a bench of Justice Devashis Baruah directed the state authorities to immediately ensure basic amenities for families displaced during an eviction drive at Hasila Beel in June 2025.
The court observed that access to potable drinking water, sanitation and basic medical care forms an integral part of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It noted that the state cannot remain a silent spectator if evicted persons are left in inhuman conditions.
According to the petitioners, over 600 families were affected by the eviction, with more than 500 currently living in makeshift shelters on land belonging to others. They alleged acute shortages of drinking water, toilets, food and healthcare, leading to severe hardship.
The plea further stated that although many of the displaced families possess ration cards, they have been unable to obtain adequate food grains due to insufficient supply at fair price shops.
Taking serious note of the situation, the High Court issued interim directions to the Assam Government and the Goalpara district administration to provide potable water, temporary sanitation facilities, basic medical services and access to subsidised food grains to the affected families without delay.
The court has directed the authorities to file affidavits by March 9, 2026, detailing the steps taken to comply with its order.
The eviction drive, carried out between June 16 and 18, 2025, was part of the state’s anti-encroachment operations in wetland areas. The affected families have argued that the exercise triggered a humanitarian crisis and violated their fundamental rights.
The matter is scheduled to come up for further hearing after the state submits its response.
- Log in to post comments
