Meghalaya: The Meghalaya High Court has delivered a significant order expanding the scope of an ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the construction and use of crematoria for the Khasi, Jaintia, and Hindu communities to also include the burial needs of the Christian community.
Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh passed the order after taking judicial notice of the difficulties reportedly faced by various denominations of the Christian faith in burying their dead.
Meghalaya High Court Takes Note of Christian Burial Challenges
The PIL was originally focused on the lack of cremation facilities and the reluctance of different communities to share existing ones.
Earlier, the Court had noted the State Government’s proposal to construct new crematoria, while also directing the Amicus Curiae to facilitate discussions among community representatives and district authorities. A report submitted by the Amicus Curiae indicated progress, with an agreement reached to allow crematoria to be shared through separate designated spaces for each community.
PIL on Cremation Facilities Now Covers All Religious Communities
The Court observed, “A cemetery controlled by one denomination is not allowing dead bodies of persons belonging to another denomination to be interred in the same cemetery.” It further noted that bereaved families in different parts of the State are having to travel long distances for burial services.
In response, the Court directed that the scope of the PIL be enlarged to include the Christian community. Additionally, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council were added as party respondents to the case, and the Advocate-on-Record was instructed to amend the cause title accordingly by 15 May 2025.
The Amicus Curiae was further directed to hold meetings with the concerned District Magistrates and representatives of the Christian community to explore possible solutions, including shared burial arrangements and identification of new cemetery sites. The State was also instructed to submit a report indicating whether it has any existing or proposed plans to expand cemetery facilities for the Christian community.
Both the Amicus Curiae and the State Government are required to file their reports by 9 June 2025. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 12 June 2025.
Mr. N. Syngkon appeared as Amicus Curiae. Mr. K. Khan, Additional Advocate General, and Mr. A.H. Kharwanlang, Additional Senior Government Advocate, appeared for the State of Meghalaya.
Case Title: Re: Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium vs. State of Meghalaya
