Village courts demanded

SHILLONG, JUNE 30: Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) underscored the need to set up more village courts in the different districts falling within its jurisdiction.

Congress MDC Neil Antonio War said. “We urge the executive committee to expand the setting up of more village courts within the jurisdiction of the council keeping in line with the implementation of the proposed Village Administration Bill.”

Participating in the cut motion during the budget session on Monday, War said the funds for this purpose was sanctioned by the state government but the proposals submitted by then Congress executive committee was too less.

War felt there is also a need to appoint presiding officers to look into the village courts as not all headmen are educationally qualified.

Taking part in the discussion, former CEM Manstudy Nongrem said that the judicial department of KHADC can really serve the need of the people especially in rural areas. He however said that KHADC’s courts face various challenges including the shortage of staffs which slows down the functioning of the courts.

Nongrem said, “The council is yet to have an additional judge for quite some time.”

Another MDC Bantei Lyngdoh also revealed that many important documents were missing for years despite having record keepers. He said, “This is also one of the main problems faced by the people who come to the council.”- By Our Reporter