Call for revamping of State legal machinery

SHILLONG: The functioning of the Law Department in the State drew flak from HSPDP’s Ardent Basaiawmoit who pointed out that the State Government “hardly wins cases”.
Moving a cut motion, Basaiawmoit said, “In our State, the government engages pleaders on contract basis unlike some other States where pleaders are engaged as full-fledged government employees. Moreover, pleaders are not paid on time which demoralizes them and results in poor performance.”
Drawing attention to the rise in crime rate in the State, Basaiawmoit said that the dismal conviction rate in Meghalaya has robbed the confidence of the people as far as the strength of the State Government in legal matters is concerned.
In this regard, he urged the Minister in charge, Law, Rowell Lyngdoh to employ experts and professionals to restore the efficiency and working of the Law department. He observed that for the Government’s resources to be utilized wisely, it is important that lawyers are appointed on merit basis.
In reply, Lyngdoh said, “Lawyers should prepare well while defending cases. Advocate Generals will look into the matter so that they defend cases effectively.”
As to the appointment of lawyers, Lyngdoh said that the Advocate General is scrutinizing the appointment of government advocates.
Basaiawmoit also pointed out that currently cases between tribals are forwarded to District Session Judge or Chief Judicial Magistrate but such cases should be tried in the District Council Court as there is no separate tribal court.  To this, Lyngdoh said that the Department will examine the matter.