Shillong, Mar 11: In a significant ruling, the Meghalaya High Court has quashed a controversial notification from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) that mandated Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting upcoming elections.

The order, issued last month by the council’s chief executive member based on an Executive Committee resolution, aimed to exclude non-tribals from the polls. A voter challenged it in court, contending it violated the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951, which set qualifications for voters and candidates.

Petitioner’s senior counsel argued during Tuesday’s hearing that the notification illegally sidelined non-tribal voters and aspirants without amending the rules or securing required approvals from the District Council and Governor under Rule 72. They noted non-tribals have contested and won seats since GHADC’s formation in 1952.

GHADC defended the move as a safeguard for tribal interests amid shifting demographics, citing the Executive Committee’s emergency powers. The court rejected this, stating the committee can only propose changes, which need District Council and gubernatorial approval to be valid.

“The notification fails legal scrutiny and stands set aside,” the court ruled, disposing of the writ petition.