Shillong, Nov 21: Meghalaya High Court has dismissed an appeal that had challenged appointment of the State Organizers (Scouts & Guides).
The appeal was filed by Dashimti Kharkongor against selection of Alvarinea Nongsiej and Aidorlang Ryngksai as State Organizers (Scouts & Guides).
The appellant had challenged the eligibility of the selected candidates, alleging that their applications were initially rejected and later irregularly accepted.
In its judgment, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen and Justice W Diengdoh noted that the appellant herself lacked the mandatory Himalayan Wood Badge qualification at the time of the advertisement (November 14, 2019) and throughout the application period.
Consequently, she had no locus standi to contest the selection process.
“A candidate having participated in the selection process cannot invoke the extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution only after finding the result unpalatable,” the bench observed, citing Madan Lal v State of J&K.
The Court also highlighted the appellant’s delay in approaching the Court—nearly two years after the rejection of her candidature (October 24, 2020) and after the appointment order (December 20, 2023) had been issued. Such conduct amounted to waiver and acquiescence.
Regarding the private respondents, the Court recorded that Alvarinea Nongsiej produced a valid experience certificate dated March 9, 2021, which was verified and found genuine by forensic examination.
Respondent Aidorlang Ryngksai also fulfilled all prescribed qualifications and cleared the personal interview conducted by the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC).
