SHILLONG, Feb 17: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma on Tuesday disallowed any discussion on the recent Mynsngat–Thangsko mine explosion, stating that the matter is sub judice and his ruling is final under Rule 57(6).
The Speaker said the issue is pending before a court of law and noted that the Chief Minister has already made a suo motu statement on the incident.
Opposition VPP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit argued that the “sub judice” provision should not be used to block legislative debate, maintaining that while courts determine guilt or innocence, the Assembly can deliberate on administrative lapses and policy failures. He urged that members be allowed to discuss the circumstances surrounding the blast and illegal coal mining.
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma supported the demand, suggesting the government seek separate legal consideration of the case rather than allowing it to be clubbed with a broader PIL.
The Speaker, however, refused to revisit his ruling, bringing the matter to a close.
