The Meghalaya High Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation that sought a directive to hold the general election for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh ruled that it was premature to grant the relief requested, but left open the possibility for the petitioner to return if elections are not conducted within a reasonable timeframe. The court clarified that it had not yet examined the petitioner’s locus standi and kept all substantive arguments open for future consideration.
The petition, filed by Nilberth Ch. Marak, had aimed to compel authorities to conduct the GHADC election or impose administrative rules. The state government informed the court that the election had been postponed due to a deteriorating law‑and‑order situation. A March 11, 2026 notification formally deferred the election, and on March 18 the Governor extended the term of the current council and its members by six months, from April 19 to October 18, 2026, under the Sixth Schedule provisions.
In addition, the GHADC established a committee on April 6, 2026 to examine demographic trends and propose fair constituency boundaries based on the latest census data. The committee is required to submit its recommendations within six months, though the Executive Committee may grant an extension.
The original election date of April 10 was postponed after violence erupted in West Garo Hills during the nomination process. Police firing during clashes over non‑tribal candidates led to two deaths, prompting a curfew and internet restrictions. A GHADC notification that made Scheduled Tribe certificates mandatory for candidates was later quashed by the High Court, and the state government ultimately suspended the election citing the prevailing security concerns.
