SC upholds High Courts decision in Mizoram ADC case

Aizawl, Feb 26 (UNI) The Supreme court has upheld the Guwahati High Court ruling by not granting voting rights to the Mara Autonomous District Council(MADC) nominated members in Mizoram in no-confidence motion.

Turning down the appeal petition of an MADC member, the Supreme Court said that the nominated members do not have the right, as elected members, to cast their votes in a no-confidence motion.

While Mizo National Front(MNF) had captured 10 seats in 22-seat council, seven seats went to the Congress, four to the Mara Democratic Front(MDF) and one to an independent in April 2005 election.

The United Legislature Party(ULP) was formed with independent representative N Viakhu, four MDF legislators and Mr Viakhu was selected as chief executive member of MADC.

In November 2005, Mr Viakhu suddenly switched allegiance and joined the MNF.

Governor Lt Gen (Retd) M M Lakhera, after a study of the situation, passed a verdict on November 28, 2006 that a trial of strength is to be made without the presence of nominated members, which was prompted the nominated member to approach the Guwahati High Court.

UNI