HC takes exception for not holding civic polls

SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday has taken exception at the State government for not holding municipal elections in the State.
While hearing a PIL on the matter, the Division Bench of the High Court of Meghalaya criticized the dilly dally on the part of the State government in holding the elections.
The matter will be again heard on May 10.
During the hearing, the State government said that attempts to hold elections were made by the government though the Supreme Court had passed the order in 1999, requiring holding of elections within six months.
The government also said that though election was fixed on November 25, 2000 it could not be held as no nomination was filed.
However, the  High Court observed that despite clear mandate of the applicable laws and the order of the Supreme Court, the stand on the part of the Government is of want of clarity, the only deduction could be of the government attempting to avoid its constitutional obligations and then, attempting to come out with pretence.
The government advocate, however, submitted that the government may be given some time to place its specific affidavit in response to the PIL.
“Having regard to the circumstances of the case and the submissions made by the senior government advocate, the matter stands adjourned, but with the observations foregoing. List the matter on 10.05.2016,” the Court said in its order on Tuesday.