Governor gives nod to dual posts Act
SHILLONG: Ending the uncertainty that lingered for over a fortnight, the State Law department on Thursday notified the Prevention of Disqualification (Members of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) Amendment Bill, 2015, to disallow MLAs from hold dual elected posts after Governor V. Shanmuganathan gave his assent to the Bill on the same day.
The development comes on the eve of the hearing on the PIL on dual posts by the High Court of Meghalaya on Friday.
Though the Bill was notified on Thursday, it will have retrospective effect from October 1.
According to official sources, letters intimating about the assent of the Governor on the Amendment Bill was sent to KHADC Chairman Manstudy Nongrem and also to the Secretary of the Council.
When contacted, KHADC Chief Executive Member cum MLA, Pynshngain N Syiem, who is yet to resign as MDC unlike other seven MLAs, said he would keep a ‘close watch’ on the next step to be taken by the State Government.
“The State Government will have to make its next move with the Amendment Bill now becoming an Act with the assent of the Governor. It will also be interesting to see the response of Assembly Speaker A.T. Mondal on this,” Syiem said, while reminding about the PIL to be taken up on Friday.
“The court might have its own interpretation on this matter. This is not the end since as many things might unfold in the next few days,” the KHADC CEM said.
Asked whether he will approach the Court to seek redress on the matter, Syiem said he was yet to decide on his next move. “I would take a call at an appropriate time. At the moment, I would just keep a close watch on the various developments,” Syiem asserted.
Earlier, the KHADC CEM had decided not to relinquish either of his dual posts despite the Prevention of Disqualification (Members of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) Amendment Bill, 2015, being passed by the Assembly on September 24.
The seven MLAs who submitted their resignations as MDCs include H.D.R. Lyngdoh (Congress), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), Sanbor Shullai (NCP), Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP), H.B. Nongsiej (UDP), K.P. Pangniang (HSPDP) and Stephanson Mukhim (Independent).