HC summons DC, SP, headman and secretary

Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, June 9: The Meghalaya High Court  on Tuesday issued summonses to the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police (SP), South West Khasi Hills and the headman and secretary of Ngunraw village on a case of alleged confinement of a mentally challenged person, Slinder Turnia.

The division bench comprising Justice TNK Singh and Justice SR Sen issued the order on the basis of the Apex Court direction on November 25, 2014 in the  R.D. Upadhayay versus the state of Andhra Pradesh case which was subsequently registered as a PIL in the Meghalaya High Court. Based on the registered PIL, on May 11, 2015, the Deputy Commissioners as well as the Superintendents of Police were asked to ensure that no mentally challenged person is seen abandoned by his

family or roaming about uncared in public places or in other places inviting danger and causing inconvenience to the public. On this count, this Court is not getting any response from the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police as expected.

Relating to the alleged case of confinement of the mentally challenged person, the court in its order issued on Tuesday stated, "Accordingly, in the interest of the citizens of the State of Meghalaya and also in

the interest of the public, the Deputy Commissioner, South West Khasi Hills district, Mawkyrwat shall take immediate steps for shifting the said mentally ill person, Mr. Slinder Turnia, to a mental asylum so declared and recognized by the State of Meghalaya for treatment".

"In the peculiar circumstances of this case, the headman and the secretary of the Dorbar of Ngundraw Village of South West Khasi Hills district are to appear in person before this Court on June 15, 2015 at 10:30 am sharp to explain as to why they take the law into their own

hands in the me of social service," the order reads.

The court of Justice TNK Singh and SR Sen also directed the Superintendent of Police of South West Khasi Hills district, Mawkyrwat to ensure the persol appearance of the headman and secretary of that village before this court without fail at 10:30 am sharp on June 15, 2015.

Besides, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of South West Khasi Hills district, Mawkyrwat, shall also appear in person before this court on June 15, 2015 at 10:30 am sharp. The

Registrar has also been directed to send a copy of this order to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills district, Mawkyrwat, by a W.T. message as well as by a special messenger.