Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya struck down the KHADC suspension of Ainam Manik Syiem on Tuesday. Justice W. Diengdoh ruled the VPP-led council overstepped its legal bounds by inventing powers to bypass traditional laws. The court quashed the suspension order, which stemmed from a May 22 decision accusing the Syiem of failing to pay a one-eighth revenue share.
Justice Diengdoh slammed the council for ignoring mandatory protocols. The governing statute requires any complaint against a Syiem to go before the Dorbar Hima before disciplinary action begins. Because the council skipped this step, the court declared the entire process legally unsustainable. It also nullified the appointment of Alban Fredrick Syiem as Acting Syiem, citing procedural failures. The appointment notice lacked the required signatures from two or more authorized executive members.
The court further clarified that the council erred by bypassing Deputy Syiem Mansan Manik Syiem. The law permits a Deputy Syiem to be selected from the chief’s immediate family, regardless of his status as the incumbent's younger brother. The ruling focuses solely on these procedural errors and does not weigh in on the underlying allegations against the Syiem.
Ainam Manik Syiem returns to his role immediately. He noted that the disputed revenue payments originate from a 1953 House Resolution rather than statutory law. Following the judgment, he called for renewed cooperation between the traditional institution and the council. "Hima Mylliem has always respected the district council and will continue to do so," the reinstated Syiem told reporters.
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