The Meghalaya High Court has directed the issuance of a notice to the management of the St Anthony’s Lower Primary School as to why they should not be punished for contempt of court for demolishing a heritage building.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice I P Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh ordered that no further activity with regard to demolition, construction, or alteration of the existing building of the said school shall be carried out until further orders of the court.
The Court had taken cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Raphael Warjri, which had brought to light the demolition of the heritage building. The building, which was of significant architectural and historical value, was demolished by the school management despite the court’s order dated December 9, 2024, directing the state to conduct an inquiry into its heritage value.
The demolition of the heritage building rendered the PIL infructuous. As a result, the Court has taken a serious view of this matter, considering it a daring challenge to the authority of the court and interference with the administration of justice, amounting to criminal contempt.
The court has directed a notice under the Contempt of Courts (High Court of Meghalaya) Rules, 2013. Local police have been directed to ensure strict compliance with this order.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 24, 2025.
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