Mizoram MLA to challenge Supreme Court order on ADC-Assembly dual membership

Mizoram's Rasik Mohan Chakma, an MLA representing the Mizo National Front in the 40-member Assembly and also a member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), plans to challenge the Supreme Court order on dual membership in both the ADC and the Assembly. Rustom Chakma, a Lawngtlai-based social worker, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court after the Gauhati High Court dismissed his appeal against dual membership.

The Supreme Court ruled on July 20 that all ADCs should be barred from dual membership, directing the Chakma ADC and the Mara ADC to reinstate the ban. Rasik Mohan Chakma disputes the Supreme Court's assertion, as the Lai ADC had abolished the dual membership ban by repealing the Constitution and Conduct of Business Rules of 2002 in 2010.

He claims that Rustom Chakma concealed this fact to obtain a favorable judgment and interfered with the administration of justice. The Supreme Court's ruling did not take into account the material fact, as the High Court dismissed the petition after issuing a notice. The MLA also argued that only the Parliament and State legislatures can enact laws disqualifying members for holding an office of profit, as per Article 191(1) of the Constitution.