Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya has issued a rebuke to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) regarding its decision to disqualify a Deputy Syiem from holding the office of Acting Syiem. Justice HS Thangkhiew observed that the Council's logic appears contradictory, as the law governing the Mylliem Syiemship specifically requires an Acting Syiem to be a blood relative of the incumbent.
The legal challenge was brought by Mansan Manik Syiem, who was declared unfit for the position after the suspension of the current Syiem, Ainam Manik Syiem. The KHADC Executive Committee justified its May 2026 order by citing the fact that Mansan is the younger brother of the suspended chief. Counsel for the petitioner, Philemon Nongbri, argued that this move violates the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Act of 2007. Under Section 9 of the legislation, the Syiem must nominate a deputy from his adult brothers or nephews, and Section 8 mandates that this individual should assume the role when the office becomes vacant.
Beyond the internal contradiction, the court raised concerns regarding the procedural validity of the Council's order, noting that it was signed by only one Executive Member. This may conflict with Section 25 of the governing Act. While Senior Counsel HL Shangreiso defended the decision as a collective resolution, the court found the petitioner had established a strong case for intervention.
The court has ordered the currently installed Acting Syiem to submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances of his appointment. The case is scheduled for further hearing on June 3, with the court expressing an intent to resolve the matter promptly.
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