‘Suppression’ of sexual harassment case
Shillong, Oct 30: The High Court of Meghalaya on Friday upheld the suspension of Meghalaya Cricket Association’s honorary secretary Rayanold Kharkamni in connection with a sexual harassment case.
MCA president James PK Sangma suspended Kharkamni on June 27 after the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) issued orders on findings of the case and recorded a cover up of official complaints within the association.
In his judgment, Justice HS Thangkhiew held that the suspension was a valid interim administrative step and not a final decision and that the action could not be termed arbitrary.
The court noted that the MSCW had, by two successive orders, directed disciplinary action following findings of sexual harassment.
The MSCW, in its order, found a deliberate cover up by the honorary secretary through suppression of official complaint e-mails from December 2025.
The MCA president’s duty of care justified the suspension, the court said, in order to protect evidence and the complainants while the formal disciplinary enquiry was referred to the MCA Ombudsman.
The court also declared invalid an MCA meeting, which tried to revoke Kharkamni’s suspension, stating that it was held in the face of stay orders and amounted to an attempt to subvert the orders of the court.
The court declined to entertain a petition filed by Kharkamni and others, challenging the appointment of Ombudsman Justice B.D. Agarwal, a retired judge.
The court directed the Honorary Secretary and other respondents to hand over all assets, including digital credentials and e-mail identity, within two weeks.
It also directed the MCA to ensure strict implementation of the POSH Act and to put safety protocols in place, preferably within six weeks.
“This is the dawn of a new era for Meghalaya’s cricket. Any kind of harassing behaviour, or the endorsement of it, will not be tolerated,” Sangma said.
“As administrators, our work is to facilitate the game and create an environment for better growth and development. Indulging in threats, coercion and going to the extent of not paying heed to the concerns of players, even when matters are serious, is unbecoming of an organisation meant to protect its players,” he added.
“The Hon’ble High Court’s verdict today is a victory for each and every player and member of the Meghalaya Cricket Association who have suffered because of malpractice and mistreatment. This stops now,” he said.
