Meghalaya: Speaker orders legal review of VPP MLA suspension over procedural flaws

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma has ordered a legal review into the suspension of Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator Adelbert Nongrum, following questions raised about the procedural validity of the party’s decision to bar him for three years.

Nongrum, who represents the Jaiaw constituency, has formally urged the Speaker not to accept the suspension order. He pointed out a technical flaw, noting that the order failed to identify him as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and was addressed only as “Adelbert Nongrum, Jaiaw Shillong.”

In his submission, Nongrum argued that the lack of formal designation could lead to misidentification, as others with the same name might reside in the area. He emphasized that he remains a constitutionally elected representative and contended that the ambiguous wording may render the suspension legally invalid.

“I am still examining it. I have referred the matter to the legal department and also to the Advocate General of our state,” Speaker Sangma told reporters on Wednesday, confirming that the issue is under legal scrutiny.

Responding to questions about the possible implications, Sangma acknowledged that Nongrum’s argument could have legal merit. “I don’t know, but some may agree with Adelbert Nongrum. His suspension order, without mentioning or addressing him as an MLA, may not stand in a court of law. Technically, it seems very vague,” he noted.

However, Sangma refrained from commenting on the internal decisions of the VPP. “That is for the political party to decide. I cannot and will not say whether they should or should not suspend him. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on that,” he said.

Nongrum was suspended by the VPP in March for alleged anti-party activities, a move that triggered strong reactions from his supporters and stirred political debate within the young regional party. The Speaker’s decision to refer the matter for legal review could set a precedent for how internal party disciplinary actions intersect with constitutional procedures in Meghalaya’s legislative process.

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