Meghalaya: 17 Parliamentary Secys’ resign hours after High Court’s verdict

Shillong, Nov 09, 2017: Just hours after the Meghalaya High Court delivered its judgement, squashing the Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretaries Act 2005, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma informed that all the Parliamentary Secretaries have collectively decided to resign.

The move was followed after the High Court declared the appointment of such post as "invalid" citing Supreme Court judgment which ruled that the State Legislature as incompetent to frame such laws.

"All the Parliamentary secretaries have collectively submitted their resignation to me today and I have also accepted their resignation," Dr Mukul said while addressing on the sideline of the Cabinet meeting.

According to the Chief Minister, the Parliamentary Secretaries had, in fact, wanted to meet him few weeks back, seeking suggestion on whether they should resign.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya High Court strikes down State Parliamentary Secretaries Act

"But I had asked them to wait till the Court gives its final verdict" he said.

It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya High Court Division Bench comprised of Chief Justice, Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Ved Prakash Vaish on Thursday had cited the verdict of the Supreme Court in the Bimolangshu Roy versus the Assam Government case and ordered that the Meghalaya Parliamentary Secretaries (Appoinment, Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 205, be "struck down".

Altogether 17 Parliamentary Secretaries who were appointed were affected by the Court's order. However, on the question of disqualifying the Parliamentary Secretaries, the Court left the decision to Governor, Ganga Prasad.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister said that they are getting the certified copy of the ruling of the High Court.

"We have to look into the operational part of the ruling and then the State Government will decide on its further course of action," Chief Minister said.

TNT News