District court in Ampati opened
TURA: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said on Friday the government is committed to addressing the conflict of law in Sixth Schedule areas.
There has been a tussle between the government and KHADC over jurisdiction of laws framed by the former, including extension of MUDA bye laws beyond Municipal areas.
“There are certain ambiguity and grey areas while implementing various sections of law in a Sixth Schedule area. However, the government is taking steps to address the issue so that there is a complete clarity and no conflict of interpretation of law,” the chief minister said after inaugurating the district and sessions court at Ampati, his home constituency, on Friday.
Sangma and Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court Justice Dinesh Maheshwari jointly inaugurated the court on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and foundation stone for a permanent district court complex was also laid.
The chief minister said when executive officers hold the dual charge of the executive and the judiciary they are faced with time constraints in delivering their administrative duties and cannot do justice to both. He appealed to the youth to look at the space of judiciary as an opportunity to serve the people.
Sangma emphasised that all government agencies should work hand in hand in delivering justice to the people. He also announced that the State Civil Service examinations would be held every year.
“We will recruit MCS officers every year so that our youth are prepared to appear in Indian Civil Service (IAS) and other examinations,” he said.
Justice Maheshwari said separation of judiciary from executive, which is essential for public good, will give executive officers more time to engage in administrative work.
Commenting on the fear and challenges raised by the Tura Bar Association in enforcing different sections of law in a Sixth Schedule area, the Chief Justice said if there are rules which need to be overhauled, views and suggestion of the Bar members would be considered for solving the problems.
According to a High Court notification, Allenby M. Ripnar, District and Sessions Judge of Tura, will also hold additional charge as District and Sessions Judge of Ampati, Isormon Rymbui will hold additional charge as Chief Judicial Magistrate and T.T.M Sangma was posted as Judicial Magistrate in South West Garo Hills.