Order redefining headmen power opposed
SHILLONG: The KHADC has decided to contest the twin orders issued by the Meghalaya High Court barring the Rangbah Shnong (headmen) from issuing no objection certificate (NOC) and the district council courts from granting anticipatory bail.
This was revealed by HANM general secretary Damon Dkhar after a meeting with the KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum here on Monday.
“He (Nongrum) told us that the Council is going to contest both the orders issued by High Court,” Dkhar said adding that the Council would file a petition in this connection shortly.
It may be mentioned that Meghalaya High Court recently adjudicated that headmen should confine themselves to social development activities of their locality only and not take the law in their own hands or interfere with the administration.
This has come via a judgment and order passed by Justice SR Sen. The judge also observed that headmen “have no power to issue any kind of certificate unless empowered by rule or laws”.
The judgment and order was passed when the judge was adjudicating on a writ petition filed by eight residents of different villages of East Jaintia Hills who wanted their fundamental rights to be protected.
While protesting the court order, the HANM general secretary said that this (order of the HC) would undermine the authority of the district councils, which appoint the headmen. He further said that the delegation would meet the CEM of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in the coming days and added the matter would also be taken up with the State Law Minister.
