Shillong ( Meghalaya), March 10 : The Meghalaya High Court has quashed the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council’s (GHADC) order requiring Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting MDC elections. The court’s decision comes after former MDC Sofior Rahman challenged the GHADC’s notification, arguing it was unconstitutional and violated Article 14 of the Constitution.
The GHADC had mandated ST certificates for candidates, citing the Sixth Schedule’s provisions for tribal self-governance. However, the court ruled in favor of Rahman, stating that the GHADC’s order was an overreach of its constitutional powers.
The decision has sparked debate, with some groups supporting the court’s ruling and others arguing it undermines tribal autonomy. The GHADC’s move had been seen as a step to protect tribal interests, while opponents argued it restricted democratic participation.
