MP HC seeks reply from Govt on Medha's arrest

Jabalpur, Aug 8 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today directed the state government to give their detailed reply on a petition seeking protection of rights of people affected by the Sardar Sarovar project.

Hearing a letter petition sent by Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar from Indore jail, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Anang Kumar Patnaik and Justice Ajit Singh directed the government and the Indore Collector to reply by August 16.

Petitioner's counsel N S Kale took exception to the government not replying to the notice and requested the court to issue directions to government to give their reply soon.

Public Prosecutor Vivekanand Avasthi sought more time for replying to the notice.

The petitioner told the court that those displaced in thousands of villages due to the Sardar Sarovar project were fighting for their rights regarding land and property in a non-violent manner.

The petitioner stated that police not only tortured those who were agitating for their rights in Barwani on July 25 but also arrested them under section 151 of the IPC depriving them of their constitutional rights.

The petition urged the court to issue necessary directions for providing land in lieu of land and adequate compensation to the dam-affected people in light of the Supreme Court directive in this regard.

Besides Ms Patkar, several displaced tribals from Barwani, Jhabua, Bargi and Dhar were present during the hearing.

UNI