HC asks govt to file affidavit on MLAs' disqualification plea

The Meghalaya High Court today asked the state government to file an affidavit following a public interest litigation by an NGO seeking disqualification of eight legislators who are "dual post holders".
A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice U N Singh and Justice S R Sen admitted the PIL filed by Agnes Kharshiing, President of Civil Society Women's Organisation.
"The court has asked the state government to file an affidavit on the issue," Nitu Syngkon, the counsel for the petitioner said here.
Syngkon said the court has also asked the petitioner to serve a copy of the PIL to other respondents, including the MLAs who at the same time are members of autonomous district councils in the state, holding dual posts.

The eight legislators named in the PIL were Meghalaya Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai, Cabinet District Council Affairs Minister HDR Lyngdoh, Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, Independent MLA Stephanson Mukhim, Mawsynram MLA Pynshngainlang N Syiem, HSPDP MLA Phlastingwell Pangniang, UDP MLA Brolding Nongsiej and Mairang MLA Metbah Lyngdom.
While seven of the legislators are members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Mukhim is a member of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), the PIL said.
Kharshiing in her petition stated, "The eight legislators are holding the post of the Member of the Legislative Assembly prior to their election to the post of member of district council and therefore, it has violated the specified provision under Rule 17(1)(a) and hence, they are liable to be disqualified to be such member of the district council.