Justice Katakey appointed by Meghalaya HC, not within mandate of Govt to discuss matter: Ampareen

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 12, 2025

Minister in-charge Law Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday said Justice (Retired) BP Katakey heading the one man committee has been appointed by the Meghalaya High Court and it is not within the mandate of the government to discuss such matter as it is subjudice before the court.

“The Justice heading the committee has been appointed by the Meghalaya High Court and it is not within my mandate nor the mandate of the state government to discuss this matter as it is subjudice,” Lyngdoh said while replying to a cut motion moved by opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit in the Assembly.

Quoting media reports, Basaiawmoit alleged that the state government has deliberated on the idea of terminating the services of Justice BP Katakey, who is heading the one-man committee appointed by the high court relating to illegal mining of coal in the state.

“As per reports, the government is now seeking legal opinion before filing a petition in the high court seeking termination of his services.It seems that the unwavering determination of the judge to expose unauthorized coal mining was the main cause that the people in power and the coal mafia in the state are too uncomfortable,” he said.

He added that it was also reported that ever since he was appointed in April 2022, Justice Katakey has submitted over two dozen interim reports which confirmed that illegal coal mining and transportation has been going on in various parts of the state.

Further, Basaiawmoit alleged that this was not the first time that this kind of interference is taking place in the state of Meghalaya as it has happened before where Lokayukta officers were dismissed on flimsy grounds for performing their duties.

“We are made to believe that the findings of Justice Katakey may expose the entire connivance between the government in power and the coal mafia in the state. So the best thing is to remove Justice Katakey,” he said.

“So we would like to express in this august house that as a party we will oppose this move and intention of the government and we would strongly urge the government to not interfere with his performance and perhaps allow him to carry out his duties and responsibilities mandated to him according to the committee appointed by the High court,” the VPP chief added further.