Surat Zamal and Anr v. The State of Meghalaya and 4 Ors

JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)

¶1These two misc. applications are with regard to the status of verification of job card holders of Moulakandi VEC, and also praying for directions with regard to elections.

¶2In MC[WP(C)]. No. 274 of 2025, the petitioner has prayed for fixation of a timeframe for conduct of the elections as the said village has been without a VEC since August, 2025.

¶3The reasons put up by the respondents are that as the verification process was not completed, more time was required, and in this connection, a connected misc. application being MC[WP(C)]. No. 11 of 2026 has been filed.

¶4Today, Mr. Philemon Nongbri, learned counsel for the writ petitioner/applicant has submitted a report containing the status of verification, and a perusal of the same indicates that 70.83% has been achieved. He further prays that a definite timeframe be given for elections to be conducted.

¶5Mrs. T.Yangi B, learned AAG assisted by Mr. J.N.Rynjah, learned GA for the respondents, submits that in view of the fact that more time is required, at least three months' time may be allowed before the conduct of the elections.

¶6This Court has considered both the misc. applications for fixation of timeframe, as well as for extension of time. As it is not disputed that 70.83% of the verification process had been completed, it is directed that the State respondents shall complete the verification process and positively conduct

the elections within six weeks from today. The caretaker Committee in place shall continue to function until a new Committee is constituted.

¶7Both the misc. applications stand closed and disposed of.

Judge

Date: 2026.02.18 12:14:34 IST

Serial No.07 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG MC[WP(C)]. No. 274 of 2025 with MC[WP(C)]. No. 11 of 2026 in WP(C). No. 268 of 2025 (Disposed) Date of Decision: 17.02.2026 MC[WP(C)]. No. 274 of 2025 1. Mr. Surat Zamal, S/o. Shri. Moyjuddin Sk. R/o. Maulakandi Village, P.O. Moulakandi, P.S. Phulbari, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya – 794104. 2. Smr. Raziul Islam, S/o. Shri. Ajan Ali R/o. Moulakandi Village, P.O. Moulakandi, P.S. Phulbari, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya – 794104. …Applicants -Versus- 1. The State of Meghalaya, through the Commissioner and Secretary, Community & Rural Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, Shillong – 793 001. 2. The Additional Mission Director, State Rural Employment Society, Meghalaya, Shillong – 793001. 3. The Deputy Commissioner and District Programme Coordinator, MGNREGS, West Garo Hills, Tura – 794001. 4. The Project Director and Addl. District Programme Coordinator, MGNREGS, West Garo Hills, Tura – 794001. 5. The Block Development Officer & Programme Officer, MGNREGS, Demdema C&RD Block, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya – 794104. …Respondents AND MC[WP(C)]. No. 11 of 2026 The State of Meghalaya, Through the Secretary, Community & Rural Deparment, Govt. of Meghalaya, Shillong. …Applicant -Versus- 1. Shri. Surat Zamal, S/o. Shri. Moyjuddin Sk. R/o. Maulakandi Village, P.O. Moulakandi, P.S. Phulbari, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. 2. Shri. Raziul Islam, S/o. Shri. Ajan Ali Resident of Moulakandi Village, P.O. Moulakandi, P.S. Phulbari, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. …Respondents Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Justice H.S.Thangkhiew, Judge Appearance in: MC[WP(C)]. No. 274 of 2025 For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. Philemon Nongbri, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mrs. T.Yangi B, AAG with Mr. J.N.Rynjah, GA. Appearance in: MC[WP(C)]. No. 11 of 2026 For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mrs. T.Yangi B, AAG with Mr. J.N.Rynjah, GA. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. Philemon Nongbri, Adv. i) Whether approved for reporting in Law journals etc: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: