Meghalaya Assembly passes resolution to impose AR in KHADC for six months

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 19, 2020

The state Assembly on Thursday approved a government resolution for imposing the Governor’s rule in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for six months but the Speaker disallowed discussion on the ground that the matter is subjudice.

The government resolution was tabled by the Minister in-charge District Council Affairs Hamletson Dohling in the Assembly.

Dohling said reports were received of political instability in the KHADC which had been continuing for more two months since November 20, last year due to frequent changing of allegiance by the the elected members of the district council, from one group to another.

He said a situation had, therefore, arisen in which the administration of the KHADC could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

Accordingly, the Governor of Meghalaya has assumed to himself the administration of Khasi Hills Autonomous District and all the functions and powers vested in or exercisable by the KHADC for a period of six months with effect from February 7.

“Now, therefore, this House hereby approve the order made vide notification dated February 7, 2020 by the Governor under sub-paragraph (2) Paragraph 16 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India,” he said.

When Congress legislator from Mawlai, PT Sawkmie stood up to seek clarification on the recent development, Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh however said that no discussion will be allowed since the matter is subjudice but at the same time asked the minister to read out a statement.

Dohling informed that the Governor Tathagata Roy had earlier revoked his order to impose administrator’s rule in the KHADC on March 13. The Governor has also summoned the meeting of the KHADC to hold election to the posts of Chairman and CEM on March 17 and 18 respectively.

However on March 16, the Meghalaya High Court has ordered a stay against the Governor’s order to hold election for the Chairman’s post, following a petition filed the incumbent KHADC Chairman Pynshngain N Syiem.

In view of this, the minister informed that the administrator’s rule in the KHADC will continue.

The budget session was held only on Thursday for passage of the vote-on-account to defray certain charges for a period of three months. The budget session was to continue till March 25, but it has been adjourned indefinitely in view of the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.