Shillong, Feb 17: Speaker Thomas A Sangma has refused to entertain any discussion on the coal mine tragedy that claimed over 30 lives at Mynsngat-Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills district, saying the matter is sub-judice.
Acknowledging the matter as “sub judice” since it is pending in the court of law, the Speaker said, “I have taken this decision based on Rule 57, sub-clause 6. I stand by my decision, and the Speaker’s decision is final.”
He also mentioned that the chief minister had already made a suo-moto statement on the incident.
However, VPP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit of Nongkrem lamented that the term “sub-judice” is repeatedly used by the executive to avoid debate.
“As a legislature, we have freedom of speech to discuss (matters of concern). Even courts themselves have held that legislative discussion is not barred (just because a matter is pending before them),” he said.
