Shillong, Oct 1: The Meghalaya government was given three weeks to file an affidavit with regards to holding of municipal elections.

In an order issued on September 27, the Meghalaya High Court has granted three weeks time to the Advocate General to file an affidavit for the state government on the matter. The AG had informed that various steps have been taken in the context of municipality.

The petition on this regard was filed by one Pawan Sharma after being aggrieved by the delay on holding of the Shillong Municipal election, despite directives issued in this regard by the High Court. Sharma has also sought the court’s intervention to initiate contempt proceeding against erring officials.

Earlier in April last year, the division bench of the Meghalaya High Court while disposing of a PIL filed by Sharma had observed that efforts must be made to carry out all necessary processes with utmost expedition and in priority.

It also stated, “We are satisfied that the state government had been carrying out its responsibilities as regards holding of Municipal Elections but the same could only be held in accordance with the constitutional mandate and in that regard, the process of proper modification of the provisions of the Act of 1973 appears unavoidable.”

Sharma had petitioned the court that the elections were not being held inspite of the Supreme Court order in 1999 whereby the elections were required to be held within six months of the order.

The government had also submitted that Article 243-ZC of the Constitution of India prevents holding municipal elections in tribal areas.

It has also assured that the Urban Affairs Department would take steps for amendment of the Act of 1973 and to notify the areas so that the municipal elections could be held as per law.