Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court tossed out a Public Interest Litigation on Monday. Social activist Nilberth Ch Marak wanted the court to force early elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh heard the petition. The bench rejected the bid because the government extended the council term to manage delimitation.
Advocate General ND Chullai presented an affidavit from Joint Secretary Rapborlang Kharbihkhiew. The state pushed the general election to March 11, 2026. Officials cited potential civil unrest as the primary reason for the delay. The Governor officially extended the council members' terms from April 19, 2026, through October 18, 2026, under the 1951 rules. This move follows the establishment of a committee on April 6, 2026, tasked with redrawing constituency boundaries based on the latest census.
The committee must report its findings to the Executive Committee within six months. The court noted the current situation remains unsettled. Regarding the failed plea, the judges stated, "If the election is not held according to the required time, the petitioner can file a fresh case."
Comments