EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, DORBAR SHNONG MAWNGAP KHLIEHSHNONG Vs. KHASI HILLS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT COUNCIL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter concerns the office of the Headman of Mawngap Khliehshnong under the Hima Mawphlang Lyngdohship. Due to certain disputes that had arisen with regard to administration of the village, the earlier Headman who has been arrayed as proforma respondent No. 4 was removed on 23/12/2022 and the respondent No. 2 then had appointed respondent No. 3 to be the Acting Headman of the said village. With the efflux of time, the term of the Headman has also expired and though certain issues still remain, as per customary practice, the village is to elect a new Headman.

(2.) Mr. S.R.Lyngdoh, learned counsel for the petitioner of whom the locus to present the instant writ petition has also been questioned, has submitted that irrespective of other issues, the petitioner was compelled to come before this Court for settlement and for adjudication of the matter, and further that the villagers were not happy with the appointment of the respondent No. 3 as the Acting Headman.

(3.) Mr. H.R.Nath, learned counsel for the respondents No. 2 and 3, submits that though not disputing the fact that the village is due for elections on the expiry of the term of the past Headman, has however, expressed before this Court the difficulties in conducting the same on account of the demise of a Myntri who is a member of the Executive Dorbar, which makes such decisions on behalf of the Hima Mawphlang and Dorbar. He further submits that it is not a case that the respondent No. 2 is opposing the democratic process, but due to the difficulties as expressed, he submits that the conduct of elections will not be possible, in the near future.