Shillong, Jun 2: The Meghalaya High Court today heard a petition filed by Ainam Manik Syiem, who was suspended from his position as the Syiem of Hima Mylliem.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council on May 22 suspended Ainam and appointed Alban Fedrick Syiem as the Acting Syiem to manage the administration of the Hima in his place.
Ainam Manik Syiem, represented by his counsel L. Khyriem, requested the court to intervene and set aside his suspension order.
Khyriem further sought an interim stay on the suspension during the court proceedings. However, the special counsels representing the KHADC opposed this request.
The single bench of Justice Wanlura Diengdoh after hearing the arguments of both parties viewed that the matter can be finally disposed of. The court has set a deadline for the submission of the counter affidavit and a reply from both sides, scheduled for June 5.
“It is made clear that any prayer for adjournment or seeking of time to file affidavit of rejoinder would allow this court to consider the prayer for stay,” the court said.
The KHADC had suspended Ainam Manik Syiem for failure of pay dues of Rs 3.24 crore. According to the district council the Syiem paid only around Rs 12 lakh out of the amount due.
