Empowerment of traditional bodies: KHADC files special leave petition in SC
SHILLONG: In another statement which is certain to linger the lack of harmony between Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and KHADC CEM, PN Syiem, the latter has accused Sangma of adopting double standards when it came to empowering traditional institutions in the State.
Syiem alleged that while the Chief Minister is silent on empowering the traditional heads in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, he has asked the Nokmas in Garo Hills to design appropriate laws, which will be in the best interest of the people and manage natural resources, which belong to the people, particularly to the custodian of the A’king or the Nokma.
“The Chief Minister should empower all traditional institutions as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule,” Syiem said.
While addressing 400 odd Nokmas from several parts of Garo Hills assembled at Ampati in South West Garo Hills for the 14th annual Nokma Council Conference on Friday, Sangma had said that the Nokmas should reinforce their traditional administration system for the progress and growth of the society.
Meanwhile, reacting to a query, Syiem said that the KHADC has already filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court against the High Court of Meghalaya’s ruling on traditional institutions.
Earlier, the High Court of Meghalaya in its order recommended that the State government should bring in a suitable and comprehensive legislation to settle the controversies connected with the issue once and for all. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh and Justice T.N.K. Singh said that until a suitable legislation or an Ordinance during the pendency of the Bill, is brought by the State government, the directions passed by the single Bench headed by Justice S.R. Sen on December 10, 2014, will remain in force.
The Court also observed that the traditional institution of headman needs to be brought within the purview of the provisions of the Right to Information Act since this institution acts as a tool of governance at the grassroots level and is also being assigned an important role in implementing various programmes and schemes of the Central government as well as the State.