CEM wary of notification on CPC, CrPC impositionGovt calls KHADC officials for discussion

SHILLONG, July 28: Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Titosstarwell Chyne has urged the state government to avoid rushing with its plan of coming up with a notification for implementation of Civil Procedure Code (CPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) throughout the state, while pointing out that such a move will weaken the district council courts, subordinate courts and village courts.
According to Chyne, the Cabinet had on Tuesday deliberated on the aforementioned matter although no decision was taken.
Officials of the Council have been summoned by the District Council Affairs (DCA) department to discuss on this matter on Friday, the CEM said, adding that the Special Committee of legal experts of the KHADC had also deliberated on the issue on Wednesday.
Stating that a case is pending with the High Court of Meghalaya questioning the functioning of that District Session Court and the courts of the council, Chyne said that he will be unable to dwell at length on the matter.
However, with regard to the government’s plan to introduce the notification, the CEM said, “I would urge upon that state government to seek the opinions of the district council before issuing the notification.”
According to him, this notification will have a direct impact on courts of the council which are functioning as per the provisions mandated in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for preservation and protection of the traditional customs and practices of the indigenous tribes.
“Even the people will be affected by this notification of the government,” Chyne added.