Shillong, May 08: The Gvernor of Meghalaya today appointed Mr. Justice Retd. T. Vaiphei to inquire into the incident of Garo Hills following the incident relating to filing of nomination papers for the election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council on 09th March, 2026.
Whereas reports have been received regarding the social unrest and subsequent violence in Garo Hills following the incident relating to filing of nomination papers for the election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council on 09th March, 2026.
And whereas, having regard to the aforesaid facts and the larger issues arising out of the violence and social disturbances and the subsequent loss of human lives and properties, the State Government considers it necessary to institute an inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 (60 of 1952);
Now therefore, in exercise of the power conferred by Section 3 of the Commission of Inguiry Act, 1952 (60 of 1952), the Governor is pleased to appoint a Commission of Inquiry headed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice (Retd.) T. Vaiphei who would be the Chairman of the Commission, to inquire into the incident at Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
The terms of of reference for the commissioner is to inquire into the circumstances leading to the incident dated 09.03.2026 in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya; To submit a comprehensive fact-finding report on the acts and or omissions of the persons and or authorities concerned, including any failure to prevent the occurrence of the incident on 09.03.2026.
The Commission is to examine the root causes of the unrest and disturbance; to recommend remedial measures, including administrative and institutional reforms, to be adopted by the Government of Meghalaya to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
To suggest appropriate measures, including financial assistance, for persons who have sustained loss of property | lives as a direct consequence of the disturbances; and the Commission may submit its report embodying the findings and its recommendations thereon to the State Government within a period of Six months from the date of this notification.
The Commission shall formulate its own procedure, and may give to all concerned such notice of Inquiry and all the procedures formulated by it as it may consider necessary and proper. The place for conduct of the proceedings shall be Tura unless otherwise directed by the Commission.
Having regard to the nature of the enquiry to be made and other circumstances of the case, it is also directed the Provisions of Sub-Sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of Section 5 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 be made applicable to the Commission.
The Commission may be assisted by such officials, experts or bodies as it may require in connection with the Inquiry. All the powers provided to the Commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 (60 of 1952) shall be available to the Commission. Expenditure incurred with respect to this Commission of Inquiry will be borne by the Commissioner of Division, Garo Hills.
