Guwahati: A recent directive restricting non-tribal individuals from contesting the upcoming April 10, 2026, elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has triggered debate in Meghalaya.
Several Garo tribal groups have supported the GHADC’s February 17 order, which requires all candidates to hold a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate. On the other hand, non-tribal leaders have criticized the move, claiming it violates constitutional rights.
The GHADC consists of 30 constituencies, with elections conducted in 29 seats while the State Governor nominates one member. In the plains region of the Garo Hills, Bengali-speaking Muslims, or those of Bengal origin, hold significant influence in at least five constituencies, where they make up over 70% of the population.
Former legislator S.G. Esmatur Momin raised concerns about the notification’s legality, asserting that the GHADC does not have the constitutional power to prevent non-tribals from contesting elections.
Enamul Haque, a prospective candidate from the Balachanda constituency, emphasized that the directive cites Paragraph 11 of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He explained that this paragraph merely describes how regulations come into effect once published in the official gazette and does not authorize the council to set new eligibility rules for candidates.
Haque also pointed out that non-tribal residents have been contesting GHADC elections since its formation in 1952, as the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) Rules of 1951 do not bar them except for certain reserved seats. He described the council’s latest directive as arbitrary and contrary to Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Tribal organisations, including the Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People, the Garo Students’ Union, and the A’chik State People’s Forum (ASPF), have defended the GHADC order and cautioned against attempts to overturn it.
Bernita Marak, ASPF’s general secretary, stated that Article 244(2) of the Constitution empowers autonomous district councils to safeguard indigenous communities’ governance. She warned that bypassing this authority would be both legally and constitutionally indefensible.
Social activist Cherian Momin, based in the Garo Hills, also cited Article 244(2), noting that the GHADC functions as a constitutionally autonomous tribal body rather than a general representative institution.
He added that the Sixth Schedule is intended to ensure tribal self-rule, protect customary laws, and preserve the cultural identity of Scheduled Tribes.
“The GHADC should be seen as a tribal autonomous council with a constitutional mandate, not a secular legislative body representing all residents,” Mr. Momin said. Nominations for the GHADC elections are set to open on March 9, 2026.