A growing controversy surrounding the top law officer of Meghalaya has intensified, with the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) strongly criticising the Conrad K. Sangma-led state administration. The civil society organisation has voiced serious displeasure over the government's refusal to act against Advocate General Amit Kumar, despite widespread resistance from legal practitioners and persistent questions regarding the operational conduct of his office.
Failure to Address Concerns of the Legal Fraternity
In a formal statement issued on Thursday, CoMSO General Secretary Balkarin Ch. Marak stated that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had reneged on specific assurances previously offered to members of the legal fraternity. The organisation noted that the prolonged inaction by the executive branch is eroding the credibility, trust, and accountability of the ruling dispensation. Furthermore, CoMSO pointed out that the ongoing confrontation between the government and legal professionals is actively disrupting court proceedings, leaving regular citizens who seek timely justice to bear the brunt of the administrative stalemate.
Questions Over Public Spending and RTI Disclosures
The organisation has also drawn attention to administrative appointments and official public expenditure tied to the Advocate General's office. CoMSO raised sharp questions about how the state government handles queries filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, particularly regarding legal expenses and financial disbursements. Questioning the lack of transparency, the organisation asked why the citizens of Meghalaya are being kept unaware of how crores of rupees in public funds are being deployed for government legal representation.
Objections to Bypassing Local Legal Talent
A central grievance raised by CoMSO is the government's continued decision to retain an Advocate General from outside Meghalaya. The organisation asserted that the state possesses several experienced, highly qualified, and competent local advocates who are entirely capable of occupying the constitutional post. By bypassing local professionals, CoMSO alleged, the Chief Minister appears far more intent on shielding a single individual than on protecting the institutional dignity of the legal apparatus or safeguarding the broader credibility of the government.
Accountability Demanded from the State Leadership
Holding the Conrad Sangma-led administration squarely responsible for the ongoing turmoil, CoMSO made it clear that the leadership had ample opportunity to defuse the standoff but chose silence instead. The organisation emphasized that Meghalaya is not the personal domain of the government, reiterating that public institutions cannot be governed according to individual whims or private preferences. According to CoMSO, the continuous silence from the highest office is increasingly seen as a deliberate effort to shield Amit Kumar rather than an honest attempt to uphold democratic accountability.
