SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) on Wednesday defended its inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment and institutional lapses within the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA), asserting that its actions were guided solely by its mandate to ensure justice for the women cricketers who lodged the complaints.
Addressing a press conference, MSCW Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem said the commission initiated the inquiry after receiving a written complaint on May 4 from six members of the Meghalaya Under-23 women’s cricket team. She said the proceedings were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
Syiem said the commission’s inquiry found that Head Coach Hemant Roy and Team Manager Sanjay Mandal had violated provisions of the POSH Act. Based on its findings, the commission recommended disciplinary action, including the dismissal of the manager and the suspension of the head coach. She, however, clarified that the authority to implement these recommendations rests with the MCA.
Responding to allegations over the manner in which the inquiry was conducted, MSCW legal counsel Joy Grace Syiem said the commission acted strictly on the basis of the written complaint submitted by the players, which named specific respondents.
She explained that while the commission could not arbitrarily add respondents to the case, it had summoned other individuals, including MCA President James Sangma, to provide clarification during the course of the inquiry.
The commission also rejected allegations that it had acted under external pressure or had targeted particular individuals, maintaining that its sole objective was to protect the interests of the complainants and ensure accountability under the law.
Expressing concern over the ongoing public debate surrounding the case, the chairperson said the focus was gradually shifting away from the women cricketers who had come forward with allegations of sexual harassment.
“We must not lose sight of the fact that these young women had the courage to speak out. The focus should remain on ensuring justice and creating a safe environment for women in sports,” Syiem said.
The MSCW reiterated that its inquiry was conducted within the legal framework and emphasized that the welfare, dignity and safety of the complainants remained at the centre of its intervention.
