RE-SENG KHASI HIMA CREMATORIUM Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Note: For proper public information and transparency, any media reporting this judgment is directed to mention the composition of the bench by name of judges, while reporting this judgment/order.

(2.) Initially, the scope of this public interest litigation (PIL) was confined to facilitating the cremation of persons belonging to Khasi and Jaintia communities on one hand and those embracing the Hindu religion on the other hand, throughout the State of Meghalaya. The main issue was regarding dearth of crematoria and the lack of willingness of the two communities to share a particular crematorium. Serial No. 01 Daily List By our order dtd. 8/5/2025, we extended the scope of the writ to include burial disputes between various denominations of the Christian faith, over sharing a cemetery. We enlarged the scope of the writ petition to include the Christian community also. We directed notices of this PIL to be served on the three District Councils. From the records, it appears that the Registrar General has duly sent out these notices to the said Councils. However, none appears for them.

(3.) We have carefully examined a very detailed report filed by Mr. K. Khan, learned Additional Advocate General prepared by Shri Sibhi C. Shadu, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Community and Rural Development Department. We have also gone through the report filed by Mr. N. Syngkon, learned Amicus Curiae appointed by this Court. Learned Additional Advocate General and Mr. Syngkon have also made very extensive submissions before us. Further to our previous order, meetings were held between the Amicus Curiae and the public authorities.