Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court upheld the suspension of MCA Honorary Secretary Rayanold Kharkamni on October 30. Justice H S Thangkhiew ruled the suspension, enacted by MCA President James P K Sangma on June 27, was a valid interim measure. The court found no evidence of arbitrariness in the move. The association cited Rule 18(a) of its constitution to justify the action during a sexual harassment inquiry.
Investigations revealed a cover-up involving the suppression of complaint emails dating back to December 2025. The Meghalaya State Commission for Women twice ordered disciplinary action following its own findings. Justice Thangkhiew noted the suspension protected evidence and potential victims while the case moves to the Ombudsman. Kharkamni claimed the move lacked jurisdiction and violated Rule 41(b), but the court rejected this, pointing to the mandates of the 2013 POSH Act.
The court dismissed Kharkamni’s petition, WP(C) No. 377 of 2026. Simultaneously, the judge invalidated the Special General Meeting notice from June 27 and declared resolutions from May 9 and September 7 illegal. Four Apex Council members attended the September 7 session to challenge the suspension, ignoring existing stay orders. The court also refused to entertain a challenge to the appointment of Ombudsman Justice B D Agarwal, noting the petitioners previously ratified his position.
Kharkamni must surrender all MCA assets, including digital credentials, within two weeks. The association has six weeks to install updated safety protocols. Regarding the verdict, Sangma stated, "administrators were expected to facilitate the game and create an environment for the growth and development of players, adding that threats, coercion and failure to address players' serious concerns were unbecoming of a sports organisation." Sangma expects this to signal a fresh start for local cricket.
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