The Meghalaya High Court has held that it would be preferable for the society to decide to offer women equal voting rights in local bodies elections rather than imposed by a court.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh was hearing a petition filed by Aneeta Synrem, who sought equal rights for tribal women to vote in local bodies elections and hold key positions in autonomous district councils (ADC).
The petition was filed in response to concerns that existing laws prevent women from participating in the process and running for certain key positions.
The bench acknowledged that it was a delicate matter because it involved customary laws. In light of this, the Court deferred to the elders of the council to make a decision on the matter, with the hope that the elders will be guided by the State’s recent strides in development.
“Yet, a change of the kind that the petitioner seeks is better received when it comes from within rather than being imposed. There is no doubt that the elders of the Council will be guided by the rapid strides towards development that this State has taken in recent times and organise a society that is in keeping with progress, development and prosperity,” the order noted.
The bench further pointed out that the 2024 district council elections are set to take place. The bench therefore asked the new body to look at the unfavourable parts of the outdated customs that are still in place, especially those that are exclusive or gender discriminatory.
The Khasi Hill Autonomous District Council’s statements, which claimed that there was a “pleasant wind of change flowing across the society” and that women were enthusiastic about taking part in the election process, were also noted by the court.
The division bench eventually dismissed the case after expressing hope that the petitioner’s desired changes will come sooner rather than later and from within the community, rather than being dictated from elsewhere.
