By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 24: Suspended Ainam Manik Syiem is set to move the High Court of Meghalaya challenging the suspension order issued by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) over alleged financial non-compliance involving market revenue dues exceeding Rs 3,248 crore.
Sources on Sunday said the petition is likely to be filed on Monday, questioning the legality of the KHADC Executive Committee’s decision to suspend him as Syiem of Hima Mylliem.
The suspension order, issued on Friday by the VPP-led Executive Committee, also appointed Alban Fedrick Syiem as the Acting Syiem of the Hima.
The order stated that the action was taken under Section 7 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong Syiemship) Act, 2007.
Sources further informed that all 30 Myntris of Hima Mylliem are preparing to submit a petition before the KHADC opposing the suspension order and seeking its review. According to the detailed suspension order, the KHADC cited repeated defaults by the Syiem in the payment of statutory dues, including the failure to deposit 10 per cent of the gross income from markets under the Elaka to the District Council for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, as mandated under Section 11(5) of the Khasi Hills (Establishment, Management and Control of Markets) Regulation Act, 1979.
The order noted that despite multiple demand notices issued between February 2022 and March 2025, the dues remained unpaid.
The Council also stated that approval granted to collect taxes and fees from five markets for the financial year 2025-26 was revoked on March 28 this year following the alleged failure to clear outstanding dues.
The order further alleged that the district council had rejected the Syiem’s explanation on June 18, 2025, and later issued a show-cause notice in December 2025 directing him to explain why action should not be initiated.
While replying to the notice, the suspended Syiem reportedly assured the KHADC that the dues would be cleared by March 15, 2026, but failed to honour the commitment.
The suspension order also referred to alleged outstanding 1/8 share dues amounting to approximately Rs 3,24,85,02,625 for the financial years 2018-19 to 2024-25 under Condition 9 of the sanad.
It further stated that during a personal hearing held on February 5, 2026, Ainam Manik Syiem had agreed to comply with the law and clear the dues immediately, but later refused to pay the 10 per cent market share through a letter dated March 24, 2026.
The KHADC also withdrew what it described as an “exemption letter” issued on December 19, 2024, terming it as lacking jurisdiction.
The legal challenge before the High Court is expected to test the validity of the KHADC’s action, even as the controversy has triggered sharp reactions within the traditional institution of Hima Mylliem.
