By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 28: The High Court of Meghalaya has stayed a directive issued by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to the Syiem of Hima Khyrim on September 15, which required the conduct of a referendum within one month for the selection of the Sordar of Mawkynrew Mawlein Pyllun.
The interim order was passed by Acting Chief Justice Hamarsan Sing Thangkhiew on Friday while hearing a petition filed by Biswell Mukhim. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 16.
Justice Thangkhiew observed that the matter warranted further consideration and, accordingly, directed that the September 15 order “will not be given effect to” until the next hearing.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel, L Syiem, argued that the office of the Sordar of Mawkynrew/Mawlein Pyllun is distinct from that of the Sordar of Mawkynrew/Mawlein villages.
He submitted that the Pyllun office is a customary post tied to traditional duties and rituals, and its occupant is chosen solely by the Mukhim clan, not through a public referendum. The counsel contended that the KHADC’s directive undermines these customary practices and sought an interim stay.
On the other hand, KHADC counsels TT Diengdoh and CCT Sangma defended the order, stating that the directive for a referendum was issued under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Nomination, Succession and Election of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Lyngskor, Bakhraw, Sordar Shnat Raid, Longsan Mansam Shnat Raid, Rangbah Shnong or Sordar Shnong and Administration of Khyrim Syiemship) Act, 2024. They maintained that the Council’s decision was lawful.
The Court has also directed that notice be issued to respondent No. 5, the Syiem of Hima Khyrim.
It may be recalled that in its September 15 letter, the KHADC’s Deputy Secretary had instructed the Syiem of Khyrim to conduct the referendum and inform the Council of the date and time so that an Observer could be deputed.
