Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya froze the electoral roll process for the Hima Sohra chieftaincy on August 20. Justice HS Thangkhiew blocked the notification until at least September 8, 2026. This legal standstill stems from a petition filed by Marremdor Syiem.
The previous permanent Syiem died on October 31, 2025. Following that death, multiple Dorbars took place. Marremdor Syiem claims he was unanimously selected as the new Chief based on customary practice. He filed several formal requests between November 10, 2025, and January 13, 2026. Authorities ignored these filings.
Instead of responding, the state appointed a Returning Officer to create new electoral rolls. Senior advocate HL Shangreiso represents the respondents. He pointed to the 1959 United Khasi-Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Act to explain the nomination process. The state failed to clarify if the prior representations were ever handled.
The court noted the dispute remains locked. The bench stated, "The issue was presently at a stalemate because the representations submitted by the petitioner and others seeking appropriate action and operation of the Sanad had not been disposed of." The court ordered the halt until the next hearing date arrives.
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