By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 27: Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma on Tuesday confirmed that his office has submitted its response to the Meghalaya High Court regarding a legal challenge filed by the Congress party over the disqualification of four former MLAs.
The four legislators—Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, Gabriel Wahlang, and Charles Marngar—had left the Congress to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the matter is now with the court. “We have given our reply and are awaiting the decision of the High Court. We have justified our actions to the best of our understanding and we stand by them,” he said.
The High Court issued notices to the Speaker on November 25 following a petition by MPCC secretary Manuel Badwar. The petition challenges the Speaker’s decision to recognize the merger of the four MLAs with the NPP, arguing the move violated the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
According to the Congress, the MLAs joined the NPP in phases and failed to meet the mandatory two-thirds majority required for a lawful merger. The party contends the Speaker’s recognition of the merger was unconstitutional and has sought the disqualification of the four members.
A Division Bench headed by Justice H.S. Thangkhiew previously directed that notices be served to both the Speaker and the defecting MLAs.
The Congress approached the High Court after the Speaker dismissed its initial disqualification petitions. Following the defections, the Congress was left with no representation in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
