Shillong, July 11: The Meghalaya High Court has asked the Meghalaya government to file reply affidavit to a petition filed by the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) which sought quashing of a notification related to the formation of a High Level Committee (HLC) to find solution to the long pending demand to shift settlers from Them ïew Mawlong, a commercial area in the city.
An order issued by the Court said, “After hearing counsel for petitioners, the Advocate General while keeping in view the two issues as highlighted, the response of the respondents is required. The AG to have instructions and file reply affidavit on behalf of respondents No. 1,2,5,6 and 8. Notice to other respondents returnable within three weeks, steps for service be taken during course of the week. List the matter after four weeks.â€
The High Level Committee (HLC) headed by deputy chief minister, Prestone Tynsong was constituted by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government on June 4, to find a permanent solution for relocation of the settlers from Them ïew Mawlong.
The formation of the Committee came after violent protest erupted following an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31 over the parking of a bus in the area.
The altercation led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area. The assault however led to a volatile situation as unruly mob clashed with security personnel at Motphran area.
During the hearing, the AG had questioned the maintainability of the petition filed by HPC, buttressing his submission contended that petitioners in effect seek quashment of Notification in terms whereof a HLC has been constituted and Chairman of the Committee has been given option to co-opt other members as may be necessary.
Terms of reference of the High Level Committee in essence is to examine all relevant records and documents relating to the relocation of the Sweeper Colony, Sweeper Lane, Mawlong Haat.
After examining all the records, the Committee is to recommend practically feasible solution(s) for relocation of the said Sweeper Colony.
The AG said that the words “practical feasibility solution(s)†suggest that the Committee is to look into all pros and cons, and in the process shall have to take all necessary steps which may include right to audience to all concerned including members of the Colony in general and petitioners in particular. The Committee by itself has not to take any decision.
The submissions as made by Advocate General in tune with the objective of the Notification, repel the apprehension of petitioners that the process of survey initiated is necessary to dislodge residents of Sweeper Colony.
Advocate General has also pointed out that a complaint has already been filed before the National Commission for Minorities at New Delhi and some directions have been obtained.
Meanwhile, the Court said that questioning the Notification is not the only issue, the second issue is that, the state respondents shall be command to issue “Patta†to the members of the communities of the petitioners on the basis of the applications as already stand filed by them.
