Adelbert sent do judicial custody by HC

SHILLONG, MAY 18: Former KHADC chief executive member Adelbert Nongrum has been sent to judicial custody by the Meghalaya high court on Monday for what the court said, “Committing criminal contempt by making ‘scandalizing statements’ against the judicial institution

Nongrum was ‘detained in custody’ as ordered by the Meghalaya high court on Monday.

Meghalaya high court chief justice Uma Nath Singh said in his order issued on Monday night,“In view of your acts of committing criminal contempt on the face of this Court, you are detained in custody in exercise of powers under Section 14 of the Contempt of Courts Act read with Article 215 of the Constitution of India.”

The court has also directed the police and jail authorities to admit the contemnor (Adelbert) to custody in compliance with the order with further direction to produce him before the court as and when he (the contemnor) desires to file an application for bail as well as showcause statements for considerations.

Singh said, “In answer to what are the charges set out herein above, you (Adelbert Nongrum) are to file your statements of defence and submit show cause on or before the next date of hearing.”

Further, the order states – ‘The Registrar General shall prepare and issue warrant of custody under the High Court Rules in terms of this order,” adding “Further, the contemnor through his counsel is granted liberty to mention the matter for listing as and when he decides to file show cause statements as well as application for bail.”

The court has taken cognizance of media reports where Nongrum reiterated that ‘he would continue to oppose the High Court ruling till his last breath’ and that ‘he will never agree with the ruling of the Meghalaya High Court’.

On this, the court said, “Such contemptuous statements obviously, only go to show his lack of faith in the Rule of law, the Constitution and also the justice dispensation system of the country.”

The order also states, “If such a person who is throwing an open challenge to the rule of law by indulging in activities also bordering on constituting the offence of sedition is allowed to move freely in the society, he may prove to be a potential threat to the society and integrity of the country.”

“Thus looking to the offensive conduct of the contemnor inside and outside the Court: for, he is putting an open affront to the authority of this Court and the rule of law and also the very existence of the judicial institutions, we need to exercise our powers of detention in custody under Section 14 of the Contempt of Courts Act read with Article 215 of the Constitution of India against him,” the order states.- By Our Reporter