SHILLONG, Dec 3 � Doing away with the British-era Police Act of 1861, the Meghalaya Assembly today passed the Meghalaya Police Bill, 2010 amidst opposition protest.
Opposition members protested the passing of the bill, stating that there was very little time given by the government to review the bill before passing it.
The Bill seeks to change the face of policing in the State. The opposition felt that since the bill would have a direct impact on everybody it was important that every citizen must be given an opportunity to give their opinions.
Opposition leader Conrad Sangma said normally bills of this nature in the Parliament are referred to the Standing Committee, adding the Assembly, could in turn have referred the bill to the Select Committee. �There are many flaws and grammatical errors, we don�t think it�s appropriate to pass the bill in its present form,� Sangma said.
�We have waited years to amend the old Act, there is no hurry to approve the bill in its present form and not wait for some more time�, Independent legislator from Mawprem, Manas Chaudhuri said joining the opposition. He added the bill was half-baked with inaccuracies.
Chaudhuri brought an amendment wanting clause 6 2 (f) of the Bill deleted to prevent political interference in the appointment of the Director General of Police.
Refusing to give in to the demand, Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said deletion of the clause would mean that the Government would have no power to remove the DGP even if the incumbent commits any lapses.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that there was no error in the bill. Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong joining the Chief Minister said: �no enacted law is static. Further, amendments can be proposed on the Bill.�
