Amended anti-graft bill to be table again

MSSHILLONG, APR 9: The Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) II coalition government decided to “re-table” the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 along with certain amendments during the ongoing budget session.

The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting held Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “The cabinet has considered the proposed amendments to be brought to the bill, and the same will be tabled during the current session.”

The Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill – 2012 was passed during the last assembly session held in December last year amidst opposition from legislators and ngos who termed it as a weak bill that has several inadequacy, deformities and loopholes in it.

The bill was however returned by the Governor RS Mooshahary with his observations and suggestions to the state government without his assent.

Sangma, however, refuse to divulge the proposed amendments, saying that it was not required for the government to table a fresh bill.

Sangma said, “A bill, which has been passed by the legislature, but is yet to receive the Governor’s assent, can be re-introduced with amendments within two years even if the term of the house, which had passed the bill, has ended. The bill will not have its own natural death.” He informed that his observation was based on a Supreme Court ruling.

The cabinet also approved some amendments to be brought to the Meghalaya Police Act, 2010. The proposed amendment to the act will also be tabled during the current assembly session.- By Our Reporter

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