Published Paper Details:

The introduction of formal administrative setup in tribal societies has led to the enforcement of written rules and regulations replacing the age-old customary laws. The ideas of introducing Panchayati Raj system is one of the important aspects of decentralizing the power and enhance the local government. However, this modern democratic institution has marked a significant transformation in how laws are understood and followed within tribal societies. The Galo community has always maintained its customary laws to administer the society and resolving the Society. There was no formal mode of selecting the authorities of Village councils. They came and go naturally as there were no any training institutions to impart Knowledge of customary laws and leadership. The traditional leadership, nature of justice, participation, tribal attitudes has been restructured which have been the past glory of Galo customary laws and practices. As per the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation 1945, the Deputy Commissioner or an Assistant Commissioner may direct a village authority report their proceedings in any case or class of cases in any way which may appear to him to be suitable. Apart from these developments, new challenges have emerged like influence and involvement of the politics, role of money in the social and political institutions etc. These developments have germinated the question of sanctity of the traditional village council which may be considered as negative developments.