1 Serial No. 17 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Cont.Cas(C) No. 37 of 2023 Date of Decision: 28.04.2025 1.The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Staff Association, Jowai (JHADCSA) represented by its General Secretary, Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya 2.Shri. Johnson Pohrmen, S/o Smti. L. Pohrmen R/o Chutwakhu, Jowai West Jaintia Hills District :::Petitioners -Vs- 1.Smti. Barcelona Bamon Secretary, Executive Committee, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Jowai 2.Shri. D.P. Wahlang, Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Shillong 3.Shri. Cyril V.D. Diengdoh Commissioner and Secretary, District Council Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya, Shillong :::Respondents 2025:MLHC:324 2 Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice H. S. Thangkhiew, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. J. Shylla, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Dr. N. Mozika, Sr. Adv. with Ms. M. Myrchiang, Adv.(For R 1) Mr. N.D. Chullai, AAG with Ms. Z.E.Nongkynrih,GA(For R 2&3) i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Oral: 1. This Contempt Petition has been filed by the petitioners Staff Association, alleging violation of the order of this Court dated 24.03.2023, passed in WP(C) No. 301 of 2020. 2. Mr. J. Shylla, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the Contempt Application is necessary in view of the fact that the directions of this Court contained specifically in Para – 5 of the order, has not been duly complied with, which has resulted in the petitioners being deprived of their salaries. 3. From the part of the respondents, it has been submitted by Dr. N. Mozika, learned Senior counsel for the respondent No. 1 that there has 2025:MLHC:324 3 never been any willful disregard for the orders of this Court, but the difficulty in releasing the salaries is due to the financial constraints faced by the respondents. However, it is submitted that salaries has been paid till September, 2024. 4. Indeed, the condition of the staff is in a sad state of affairs, inasmuch as, it is incumbent upon the District Council to clear the salaries on time. However, as attempts have been made and are continuing towards fulfilling the obligations for salary payment, at this stage, the Contempt Application is closed, however, with liberty to the writ petitioners to institute fresh proceedings for appropriate orders. 5. Matter accordingly stands closed and disposed of. Judge Meghalaya 28.04.2025 “D.Thabah-PS” 2025:MLHC:324 Digitally signed by DARIHUN THABAH Date: 2025.04.28 03:06:53 IST