HARIJAN PANCHAYAT COMMITTEE Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. N.Benipal, learned counsel on behalf of the petitioners as well as Mr. A.Kumar, learned AG assisted by Ms. R.Colney, learned GA on behalf of the respondents No. 1, 2, 5, 6 & 8, Mr. K.S.Kynjing, learned Sr. counsel assisted by Mr. L.Shongwan, learned counsel on behalf of the respondent No. 4 and Mr. K.Barua, learned counsel on behalf of the respondent No. 3.

(2.) The petitioner's case in a nutshell is that:

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. N. Benipal submitted that the petitioners have been residing in that area for centuries back and the land has been allotted to them by the Syiem of Mylliem (respondent No. 4), so the government cannot just evict them forcefully without any rhyme or reason. He also submitted that thereafter the petitioners' association had moved 218 applications for issuance of patta in the year 2006 and requisite fees was also submitted, but till date no patta was issued, except for Gurudwara and School.