Northeast Desk, 25th April: The Meghalaya High Court has upheld Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma’s decision to reject a special motion seeking a discussion on a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report during this year’s budget session. The dismissal of the motion came in response to a petition filed by Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator Adelbert Nongrum challenging the Speaker’s decision.
Nongrum had moved a special motion during the session, seeking a discussion on the CAG report related to the social and economic sectors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, for Meghalaya. However, the Speaker did not allow the motion, prompting Nongrum to challenge the decision in the high court.
In the court’s order, Justice HS Thangkhiew stated that the Speaker’s decision, although involving a matter of grave public importance, could not be deemed illegal or unconstitutional. The court emphasized the finality of the Speaker’s authority in regulating the procedure and conduct of business within the Assembly, citing Article 122(2) of the Constitution.
“Judicial review, therefore, not being available by virtue of the application of Article 212 of the Constitution, this writ petition is not entertained and is accordingly dismissed,” Justice Thangkhiew stated, affirming the Speaker’s discretion in such matters.