The Gauhati High Court has issued a directive to the Assam government to ensure that evicted families from Hasila Beel in Goalpara district receive essential services such as ration, medical assistance, drinking water, and sanitation facilities while they reside in makeshift camps. This action follows a writ petition filed by sixty petitioners, who argue that the evictions that occurred on June 16, 17, and 18 were unlawful and contrary to Supreme Court judgments. As a result of the eviction, 566 families, including children, have taken refuge on privately-owned land and have lived in destitution for over eight months, lacking access to clean water, sanitation, food, and medical care, which has led to death and suffering. The petitioners’ counsel referenced Supreme Court rulings affirming that the rights to potable water, basic medical care, and sanitation are inherent to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Following the hearing, the court ordered the District Commissioner of Goalpara and other government authorities to fulfill their obligations to provide these basic necessities to the affected families.
