Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: While slamming the State government for repeated delay to undertake installation of digital meters on taxis, the Bombay High Court at Goa has granted yet another opportunity to the Government to commence the process within a period of 15 days from today.
“Before initiating further action in this contempt petition, we give the State Government yet another opportunity to commence the process of installation of digital meters in taxis as early as possible and in any case within a period of 15 days from today,” the Division bench said while passing the interim order in the Contempt petition filed against State government by Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).
While posting the matter for June 14, the Court said “According to us, this work of installing digital meters in taxis should have been completed long ago not only in terms of the directions issued by us but also the assurances given in the contempt proceedings”.
During the hearing today, the Advocate General stated that the State is quite keen to install the digital meters in taxis and all efforts are being made. He stated that in fact there was a proposal for installing such meters from 1 May 2021 on wards.
“Today learned Advocate General states that some difficulties have arisen on account of COVID-19 Pandemic situation. He points out that the contractor’s Nodal Officer who was dealing with the State Government has passed away and therefore, there is a delay,” the order stated.
The Division bench at least prima facie, are satisfied that the Court orders made from time to time on the issue of installation of digital meters in taxis are not being complied with, for one reason or the other.
“By our order dated 5th July 2019, certain directions were issued in this regard which were not complied with. The Petitioners were then constrained to institute Contempt Petition which was disposed of by us on 20th January 2020. Even in the said contempt petition, we had observed that at least prima facie the Respondents, were in contempt of this Court,” the order stated.
“ However, the learned Advocate General had made a statement that notification regarding the fare rates will be issued by the State Government within a period of 15 days i.e. some time in the first week of February 2020. The statement was made that no sooner this notification was issued, the installation of digital meters in taxis will commence. Notwithstanding the aforesaid statement, notification regarding the fare rates was issued only on 14.01.2021 i.e. after delay of almost one year,” the Court observed.
“Further, despite issuance of this notification, no steps were taken for installation of digital meters in taxis,” it noted further.