Hearing in case against pro-ILP groups on Sept 8

SHILLONG: The Special Court that was set up for hearing the damage suit filed by the State government against 14 pressure groups demanding inner line permit (ILP) in Meghalaya will hear the case next on September 8.
Sources said the Special Court, formed in 2014, is currently examining the witnesses.
On the lengthy hearing, sources privy to the developments said the magistrates who were looking into the case were changed twice or thrice and that there were many witnesses to be examined in the court.
The sources said the lengthy process was normal in a civil case that usually lingers for a long time as there were several procedures involved, like issuing of notices and publishing of summons in newspapers. So far, only three pro-ILP groups – CSWO, AIGU and SSSS – are attending the hearings.
Also, the matter is going on ex parte against the NGOs who   have not yet appeared before the court, the sources added.
The Special Court set up by the government in 2014 is trying the damage suit of over Rs 31 crore against the pressure groups, who sponsored a four-month-long agitation in 2013 demanding implementation of ILP in the State.
The government filed the damage suit over loss of property, both private and public, following several cases of arson during the agitation. It wants to realize over Rs 31 crore from as many as 14 pressure groups based on the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and the Supreme Court order banning bandhs and other forms of agitation.
Meanwhile, three cases are being heard in the Sessions Court for the murder of three persons, including an elderly woman, during the protests in the city.