Civic polls: Govt set to file affidavit

SHILLONG: The state government will file an affidavit within two weeks in response to a contempt petition moved before the High Court of Meghalaya for not holding municipal polls.
The matter came up for hearing on Monday based on the contempt petition of Pawan Sharma and Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir has granted two weeks’ time for the government to file affidavit. The case will come up for hearing again after two weeks.
In 1999, the Supreme Court, while disposing of the case, had observed that municipal election may be held within six months in accordance with law.
The delay led to filing a fresh PIL in the High Court that was disposed of on April 11, 2017.
The government had cited the process of proper modification of the provisions of the Meghalaya Municipal Act of 1973 before holding the polls.
The court wanted the government to carry out all the necessary processes with utmost expedition and in priority. However, following the prolonged delay, the contempt petition was filed.