CS, Central official asked to appear on Jan 13
SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed Meghalaya Chief Secretary and the Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs to remain present in the court on January 13 during the hearing of a petition filed regarding minority status to ‘Ñiam Khasi and Ñiam Tre’ tribes in the State.
As per the petitioner, Ñiam Khasi and Ñiam Tre’ tribes are being deprived of their fundamental rights and human rights, particularly the ones as guaranteed under Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution of India without any valid ground.
In the last hearing on December 15, Chief Secretary was asked to file affidavit before the next date of hearing
In the hearing on Monday, the legal counsel of the Centre and State told the Court that though the order of this Court has been forwarded to the concerned Ministry, no instruction has been received till date.
The Court also directed that all pending representations filed by all or any such minority tribes whether Niam Khasi in Khasi Hills or Niam Tre in Jaintia, or Sansarik, Koch, Hajong and Rabha and others in Garo Hills, shall be disposed of by the respondents on merit and the State Government shall ensure that there is no deprivation or denial of their entitlements on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, tribe and clan and others. Moreover there should not be any allurement or pressure causing any interference with their culture and religious faiths or any other fundamental and human rights.
The matter will be listed on January 13 before the Full Bench of the High Court.