Allegations of SMB operating beyond jurisdiction
SHILLONG: The Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly, Sanbor Shullai, has shot off a complaint to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) against Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) for illegally exercising its jurisdiction in areas of KHADC by directing both tribal and non-tribal traders to obtain trading licenses.
Shullai on Friday met KHADC chief executive member (CEM) PN Syiem and demanded that strict action should be taken against the board by filing contempt of court.
Quoting a Supreme Court judgement made in June 7, 2011, Shullai said that the judgement clearly stated that SMB was a civic organisation meant to regulate rules on health and sanitation and it had no authority to issue notification on trading licenses.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting with KHADC Chief, Shullai alleged that the SMB had issued notifications to several shops that belonged to both tribals and non-tribals in areas of Laban, Kenchs’ Trace and Lumparing without the knowledge of the Rangbah Shnongs.
While stating that the action of the SMB was a deliberate challenge and undermined the jurisdiction and the power of the district council, he asked the KHADC to desist the SMB from repeating the illegal act.
He asserted that similar attempts were made by the board in 2006 and 2011 and the Board has failed to honour and respect the judgment of the Supreme Court which has settled the matter even as he asked KHADC has to file a contempt of court so as to avoid future dispute and repetition of the illegal act.
It may be mentioned that recently SMB had issued notifications to several shops in Laban area asking shop owners to obtain business license within fifteen days as they have violated section 1 of the Shillong Municipal Bye Law 136 framed under Section 302 of the Meghalaya Municipal Act 1973.