Meghalaya High Court rules on GHADC elections and industrial pollution

The Meghalaya High Court has addressed two separate public interest litigations involving regional governance and environmental regulation.

Regarding the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the court disposed of a petition seeking early elections or the imposition of Administrator’s Rule. The state informed the bench that elections were postponed to March 11, 2026, due to law-and-order concerns, and the Governor has since extended the current term until October 18, 2026. Additionally, a delimitation committee has been reconstituted to recommend new boundaries based on recent census data. The court noted the petitioner may file a fresh petition if elections are not held within a reasonable timeframe.

In a separate matter, the High Court criticized the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for failing to enforce closure orders against polluting industries in Byrnihat. The court observed that industries appear to be operating “with impunity under the very nose of the authorities.” Following reports of air and water pollution, including issues affecting the Umtrew River, the court issued show cause notices to the MSPCB Member Secretary and a senior environmental engineer to determine why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated.