Meghalaya Governor responding ‘very well’ to petition against KHADC Bill: Shullai

SHILLONG, JUL 10: Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday said he has received a “very good response” from the Governor’s office on his petition seeking withholding of assent to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Shullai has petitioned Governor CH Vijayashankar, terming the Bill “ultra vires” the Constitution.

Asked about the status of his representation, Shullai said, “Very good response. Supposed the Bill has been endorsed by the district council affairs department, government of Meghalaya to him then he will also have to endorse the matter to the officers to study in line with the law department.”

In his petition submitted to the Governor, Shullai objected to the provision that makes it mandatory for non-tribal employers to obtain a service license for non-tribal employees.

He argued that the Bill “severely overreaches” KHADC’s jurisdiction and goes beyond the powers granted under Paragraph 10 of the Sixth Schedule.

“The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation Act, 1954 was enacted to regulate trading by non-tribals… By attempting to extend regulatory control from independent traders to corporate/individual employees, the KHADC has infringed upon areas outside its constitutional mandate,” Shullai had stated.

He had warned that granting assent would expose the Council to legal challenges and violate fundamental rights.

“The proposed Bill is a facial violation of Article 14, Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” he had said.

Shullai had also flagged procedural issues, saying the Bill was introduced without proper stakeholder consultation and creates “arbitrary regulatory hurdles.”

Citing Paragraph 12A of the Sixth Schedule, he noted that state laws prevail in case of repugnancy.

Calling the amendment politically motivated, Shullai had urged the Governor to examine the “legal infirmities” in the Bill.

“In light of the facts and legal positions stated above, we respectfully request your esteemed office to thoroughly examine the legal infirmities, lack of legislative competence, and constitutional violations inherent in this Bill, and consequently, withhold assent,” he had said in the representation.