SHILLONG: Nongkrem legislator and president of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, has strongly criticised the state government for allegedly misusing the “sub judice” rule to avoid accountability and silence discussions in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Addressing the media, Basaiawmoit accused the government of repeatedly hiding behind legal technicalities to evade debate on serious public issues, especially the recurring tragedies linked to illegal coal mining.
The VPP chief stated that the government frequently invokes the sub judice provision to block discussions, even in cases involving major public concern.
He pointed out that the judiciary has clarified on several occasions that legislative debates do not interfere with court proceedings, as long as they do not compromise evidence.
Despite this, he claimed, the government continues to restrict debate under the pretext of pending cases.
Basaiawmoit highlighted the government’s reluctance to openly discuss the deaths of miners in illegal pits at Mynsngat–Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills district.
He claimed that there is discrepancy in Figures where the official death tolls are reportedly lower than numbers claimed by local residents. He also said that there lack of verification, questioning whether authorities had verified the number of workers present at the site through those in custody.
He also cited past probes, including inquiries into high-profile cases, whose reports were never made public.
According to him, such lapses reflect a lack of transparency and seriousness in addressing mining-related fatalities.
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In a direct attack on the administration, Basaiawmoit alleged that large-scale illegal coal mining and transportation cannot continue without the “collusion” of powerful individuals.
“If the government claims it is not involved, why has it not taken strict action against the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in affected districts?” he asked.
He dismissed routine transfers of officials as a “weak response” in the face of repeated loss of human lives.
The controversy arose during a debate in the Assembly when Basaiawmoit sought the Speaker’s permission to raise the illegal mining issue under Rule 282.
He invoked Article 194 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech in the legislature, stating that it was necessary to protect public interest.
However, the Speaker rejected the request on two grounds — the Chief Minister had already made a suo motu statement on the issue and the matter is currently sub judice and pending before the court.
Basaiawmoit warned that the government can no longer “sweep these issues under the rug,” claiming that repeated natural and human tragedies are now exposing the truth.
He said, the public is increasingly aware of what he described as government tactics to bypass opposition voices and suppress vital information.
“The people now understand how important matters are being avoided under technical excuses,” he said.
