EWANLANGKI-E RYMBAI vs JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT COUNCIL .

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 3 of the United Khasi Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Act, 1959, which mandates that elections and appointments of Chiefs and Headmen be conducted according to existing customs. The Court ruled that the exclusion of Christians from contesting elections for the post of Dolloi based solely on religion violates Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution of India. Consequently, the Court dismissed the appeals challenging the High Court's decision, affirming the need for adherence to constitutional principles in autonomous district governance.