PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 25: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the reconstruction of a severely damaged 4-km stretch of National Highway-220, following the completion of the roadwork by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
A Division Bench led by the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court heard the final proceedings in WPA 5110 of 2024 (Akash Sharma vs Union of India & Others), a PIL filed earlier this year seeking urgent repairs on the NH-220 stretch between Rasun Chopa (in Jharkhand) and Tiring border (Odisha).
Also Read- ED raids Delhi-NCR, Punjab locations in Rs 988-cr bank fraud case
During the hearing, the NHAI’s Chaibasa Division submitted a detailed status report confirming that the road reconstruction had been “substantially completed” within the stipulated timeline. The Bench took the report on record.
Appearing in person, petitioner Akash Sharma, an advocate practising at the Calcutta High Court, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the authorities.
He submitted that the purpose of the PIL had been fulfilled and requested the court to formally dispose of the matter.
Sharma credited the timely intervention of the High Court for compelling the authorities to act, noting that such infrastructure issues often face prolonged delays without judicial oversight.
He said the initiative had ultimately helped ensure public safety and convenience for thousands of commuters.
Acknowledging the submissions and the NHAI’s final report, the court disposed of the PIL.
Also Read- IMD forecasts widespread rain in Jharkhand
The litigation had drawn attention to the alarming condition of the Rasun Chopa–Tiring stretch, which posed significant risks to daily commuters.
Following the Court’s notice, the highway authority acted promptly, resulting in expedited completion of the roadwork.
The case stands as a testament to the impact of judicial monitoring in ensuring the timely execution of public infrastructure projects.
