By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Election Commission of India may prevent GNLA chief Champion Sangma from taking part in the election process since he is a member of a banned organisation.
A senior Government lawyer informed that though there is no bar on the part of an under trial to contest the Assembly elections, the case of the GNLA leader is open for interpretations since he is the leader of a banned terrorist organisation.
“We are not sure on whether Champion can contest the elections since the Election Commission can raise an objection since he is a leader of the banned organization and had apparently waged war against India sitting in Bangladesh,” the lawyer said.
According to him, only one thing is clear as far as the provisions of under trials contesting elections are concerned.
It was early part of this year that GNLA was banned as a terrorist organisation by the Centre under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
However, when contacted, State Chief Electoral Officer, P Naik, said that a person convicted for more than two years is barred from contesting elections.
In the case of Sangma, he is yet to be convicted as he is still an under trial prisoner, Naik said.
When asked whether any member of the banned organization has the liberty to contest elections, Naik said “I have to check on this aspect”.
