Meghalaya Dy CM refuses to comment on PIL against entry-exit point at Umling
SHILLONG:
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday refused to comment on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Meghalaya High Court against the setting up of the entry-exit point (facilitation centre) at Umling in Ri Bhoi district.
The PIL was moved by the advocates of the Meghalaya High Court Bar Association, in their individual capacity, on December 22. The PIL may come up for hearing in February since the court is currently on vacation.
"The PIL is yet to be admitted. I would not like to comment since it is outside (the) government's jurisdiction," Tynsong told reporters.
The advocates who filed the PIL had claimed that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016 is infringing into the fundamental rights of the citizens of the country.
Reacting to this claim, the Dy CM said that the state government has done due diligence before passing the MRSSA, adding that they had also sought the views of the legal team while formulating this legislation.
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Tynsong, however, clarified that there is no intention to harass any citizen coming to the state adding that the people entering Meghalaya would only need to register at the facilitation centre.
He further clarified that the government is not preventing the genuine citizens from entering the state.
"We leave (it) to the wisdom of the judiciary. Let the court give its final verdict," the Meghalaya Dy CM added.
The facilitation centre was set up by the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government in accordance with the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016. It was inaugurated by the Dy CM on December 21, 2020.
(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)
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