The Gauhati High Court has mandated the Assam government to supply essential provisions such as ration, medical services, drinking water, and sanitation facilities to families evicted from Hasila Beel in Goalpara district, who are currently residing in temporary shelters. A writ petition was filed by sixty petitioners, alleging that the evictions occurred on June 16, 17, and 18 in the Hasila Beel area in violation of Supreme Court mandates from various judgments. Following these evictions, 566 families, including children, have been forced to seek refuge on a piece of land owned by others, enduring extreme hardship for over eight months. There has been a significant lack of access to potable water, sanitation, food, and appropriate medical care, resulting in suffering and fatalities among the evicted individuals. Counsel for the petitioners cited Supreme Court rulings affirming that the right to potable water, basic medical treatment, and sanitation are integral to the right to life, as stated in Article 21 of the Constitution of India. After reviewing the case, the high court has instructed the District Commissioner of Goalpara and other government officials to guarantee that these basic needs, which are essential to the right to life, are met for the vulnerable petitioners.
HC orders Assam govt to provide food, shelter, and essentials to Hasila Beel evictees
