SHILLONG: In the wake of the recent ruling of the Meghalaya High Court questioning the role of traditional heads in the State, the UDP has suggested the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to come up with a legislation to define the powers of the head of the traditional institutions of the state.
“At present, the role and functions of the traditional heads are not properly defined. Therefore, there is an urgency (to properly define the role) on the part of the district councils in the wake of the recent court ruling,” UDP working president Bindo Mathew Lanong told newsmen after a party meeting here on Monday.
The UDP working president said the various traditional institutions including the ‘traditional dorbar system’ have clearly been specified in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
“The Sixth Schedule recognizes the appointment of chiefs and headmen that is a part of the traditional system of the Khasis,” Lanong said adding that the Sixth Schedule also provides judicial powers to the district councils.
He further pointed out that the district councils have enacted the Administration of Justice Rule 1953 for formation of village courts.
According to him, the headmen are a part of these village courts where they are empowered to become chairmen and vice chairmen.
“In this rule, the power of the headmen is confined only to judicial matters,” he said.
Stating that every community has its own culture, customary laws and practices, Lanong said that it is not easy for any authority to take away these cultural and traditional rights unless they are in conflict with the laws of the State.
He, however, admitted that few of the traditional heads have misused their powers since there are no laws binding them.
“The traditional heads would not have been able to misuse their powers if the district councils had come up with the legislation to check such illegal practices,” Lanong said.
While referring to a recent case of ostracization and snatching away of report cards of students, Lanong said, “We absolutely don’t agree with such acts.”
“We request the local Dorbar Shnong to respect the traditions and ensure that law and order prevails and justice is done to everyone,” he said adding that no one should be discriminated against simply because they violate the dorbar system.
