Kohima: The Peren District GB Association (PDGBA) declared that Gaonburas (GBs) hold protected voting rights in village councils. These rights exist under the Nagaland Village Councils Act, 1978. No person or organization can strip them away. PDGBA vice president Heisolu Sephe stated, "The Act recognised prevailing Naga customary practices and usages in the constitution of village councils, while expressly providing for hereditary village chiefs, GBs and Anghs to serve as ex-officio members with voting rights."
Article 371(A) of the Constitution anchors Nagaland's village governance in customary law. Section 4 of the 1978 Act requires council members to be chosen by these local traditions, subject to state government approval. The association argues these legal voting rights are not mere privileges. They are statutory requirements beyond individual discretion.
The PDGBA points to two specific Gauhati High Court cases for legal backup. These include Nchumo Yanthan & Ors. vs. State of Nagaland & Ors. from October 17, 2023, and State of Nagaland & Ors. vs. Neizo Zumu & Ors. from April 22, 2024. Both rulings affirm the weight of customary practices within the law. Sections 6, 9, 20, and 22 of the Act dictate that any changes to tenure, removal, or council composition must follow strict legal steps. Unilateral moves are illegal.
GBs maintain peace and resolve local disputes. They bridge the gap between villagers and the state administration. The PDGBA warns all administrative bodies and village authorities to respect these established protocols. Future disputes over council composition must rely on formal customary procedures and existing laws to avoid arbitrary interference.
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