Shillong, Apr 24: The High Court of Meghalaya has upheld the decision of the Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma to not allow a special motion to discuss a CAG report during the budget session.
The court dismissed the petition moved by the VPP legislator Adelbert Nongrum from North Shillong.
Nongrum challenged the action of the Speaker under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, in not allowing the petitioner to move a special motion under Rule 130A of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, to raise discussion in the Assembly during the budget Session 2024, on the CAG report on the Social and Economic sectors for the year ending 31.03.2022, for the State of Meghalaya.
The order passed by the Single bench headed by Justice HS Thangkhiew said, “As such, in view of the discussions made herein above, the decision of the Speaker in not allowing the special motion, cannot be held to be illegal or unconstitutional, notwithstanding the fact that the subject matter involves a matter of grave public importance. Judicial review therefore, not being available by virtue of the application of Article 212 of the Constitution, this writ petition is not entertained and is accordingly dismissed.”
IThe Court observed that under Article 122(2), the decision of the Speaker in whom powers are vested to regulate the procedure and conduct of business is final and binding on every Member of the House.
On February 22, a breach of privilege motion moved by Nongrum against the Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma for disallowing discussion on a CAG report was also rejected by the House through a voice vote.
