Shillong, Oct 30: The Meghalaya High Court has upheld the suspension of Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) Honorary Secretary Rayanold Kharkamni, ruling that the interim action was justified following findings of sexual harassment and the alleged suppression of official complaints within the association.
In a 22-page judgment delivered on Friday, Justice H.S. Thangkhiew held that the suspension ordered by MCA President James P.K. Sangma on June 27 under Rule 18(a) of the association’s constitution was a valid interim administrative measure and could not be considered arbitrary. The court clarified that the suspension was not a final disciplinary decision but a step taken pending a formal inquiry.
The court noted that the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), through successive orders, had directed disciplinary action following its findings in the sexual harassment matter. It also referred to Commission Order No. 522, dated June 26, which recorded the alleged suppression of official complaint emails from December 2025 by the Honorary Secretary. The court observed that the president’s duty of care justified the interim suspension to protect the complainants and preserve evidence while the matter was referred to the MCA Ombudsman for a formal inquiry.
Kharkamni had challenged the suspension, arguing that the president lacked the authority to take such action. He maintained that Rule 41(b) of the MCA constitution required complaints against an administrator to be placed before the Apex Council for a prima facie assessment. However, the court held that the provision governed final disciplinary proceedings and did not prevent the president from taking interim measures in the circumstances of the case.
The court also considered Section 12 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which provides for interim measures during an inquiry. It subsequently dismissed Kharkamni’s petition, WP(C) No. 377 of 2026, challenging his suspension.
In a separate petition filed by Sangma, WP(C) No. 294 of 2026, the court declared the notice for the Special General Meeting dated June 27 invalid and held that the resolutions passed at the MCA meetings on May 9 and September 7 were illegal and non-est in law.
The court took particular note of the September 7 meeting, which sought to revoke Kharkamni’s suspension despite the matter being sub judice and court orders staying related proceedings. It held that the meeting had been conducted in violation of the stay orders and amounted to an attempt to subvert the court’s directions.
The court also declined to entertain WP(C) No. 321 of 2026, filed by Kharkamni and others challenging the appointment of retired judge Justice B.D. Agarwal as the MCA Ombudsman. It found that the challenge was undermined by the petitioners’ own participation in the Apex Council meeting that ratified the appointment. The Ombudsman will continue to function de facto until the association’s next Annual General Meeting (AGM), the court ruled.
The judgment further directed the Honorary Secretary and other respondents to hand over all MCA assets under their control, including digital credentials and email accounts, within two weeks. The association was also instructed to ensure strict implementation of the POSH Act and establish appropriate safety protocols, preferably within six weeks.
Reacting to the judgment, Sangma described the ruling as a turning point for cricket administration in Meghalaya and said harassment and the endorsement of such behaviour would not be tolerated.
“This is the dawn of a new era for Meghalaya’s cricket. Any kind of harassing behaviour, or the endorsement of it, will not be tolerated,” Sangma said.
He added that the responsibility of sports administrators was to facilitate the game and create an environment conducive to players’ growth and development. Threats, coercion and failure to address players’ concerns, particularly in serious matters, were unbecoming of an organisation entrusted with protecting its players, he said.
“The Hon’ble High Court’s verdict today is a victory for each and every player and member of the Meghalaya Cricket Association who have suffered because of malpractice and mistreatment. This stops now,” Sangma added.
