The process for renewal of trading license of 43 non-tribal businessmen operating in Ichamati near Shella got stuck as the KHADC Executive Member in-charge of trade delayed the matter. However, the KHADC has decided to start the process of renewing the license.
This was informed by KHADC lawyer Themis T. Diengdoh to the Meghalaya High Court today during hearing of a batch of contempt petitions filed by 43 non-tribal businessmen against the KHADC.
Diengdoh told the bench of Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew that the delay by KHADC to comply with the orders of the High Court is due to the fact that the matter was stuck in the process before the Executive Member in-charge trade.
He however, informed the court that KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem has taken a decision on the matter and in due course, the applications will be processed.
Diengdoh sought two weeks’ time to file the affidavit on the steps taken by the KHADC to comply with the High Court order. The next hearing on the matter will be held on November 21.
It may be mentioned that the businessmen from Ichamati filed the contempt petitions against the KHADC for alleged violation of the order of the High Court passed on October 4, 2023 in a series of writ petitions.
On October 4, 2023, the High Court had directed the non-tribal businessmen to apply individually for renewal of their respective trading licenses, by submitting their applications before the office of the Secretary to the Executive Committee, KHADC by November 1, 2023.
The court also directed that on receipt of the applications, the KHADC should dispose of the same within a period of eight weeks. It was also directed that the KHADC in this exercise, should nominate and authorise a Special Officer, to process the applications and to put up the same before the licensing authority, for further necessary action.
Further, the High Court directed that examination of the applications should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and the writ petitioners be given adequate opportunity by KHADC to clarify any issue that may arise.
The order also stated that the process of issuance of renewal or grant of fresh trading license shall be done strictly in accordance with the provisions of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954.
While disposing of the case, the High Court also made it clear that, till such process is completed by the KHADC, the businessmen should not be restrained from conducting their legitimate business, due to the non-renewal of their trading license.
