Re-Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium vs State Of Meghalaya on 30 July, 2025

Meghalaya High Court

Re-Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium vs State Of Meghalaya on 30 July, 2025

Author: W. Diengdoh

Bench: W. Diengdoh

Serial No. 01         HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
Daily List                   AT SHILLONG

     PIL No. 10 of 2023
                                                   Date of order: 30.07.2025
     Re-Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium       vs         State of Meghalaya
     Coram:
           Hon'ble Mr. Justice I.P. Mukerji, Chief Justice
           Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge
     Appearance:
     For the Petitioner    :   Mr N. Syngkon, Amicus Curiae
     For the Respondent    :   Mr K. Khan, AAG with

Mr A.H. Kharwanlang, Addl Sr GA
Ms S. Laloo, GA

i) Whether approved for Yes/No
reporting in Law journals etc.:

ii) Whether approved for publication Yes
in press:

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.

The subject-matter of this public interest litigation is this. The

Hindu, Khasi and Jaintia communities cremate their dead. But there is

division between the Hindus and Khasi-Jaintia regarding sharing of

crematoria. The Khasi and Jaintia communities want separate

crematoria for themselves.

Secondly, there is acute dearth of space for burial of members of

the Christian community. This community is spread across various

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denominations. Their respective churches and religious orders own

cemeteries. But one religious order does not usually permit the dead

from another denomination to be buried in its cemetery.

The need has arisen for a common public burial ground for

members of all denominations of the Christian community.

To resolve these issues, we appointed an Amicus Curiae to sit

with all the stakeholders, including the government and other public

officials and arrive at a decision.

By our last order dated 7th July, 2025, we directed the Chief

Secretary of the State to constitute a Committee comprising of a

selection of stakeholders as mentioned in our order with the hope that

some kind of a settlement would be reached between the Hindus, Khasis

and Jaintias and between members of the Christian denominations. We

also directed that an acquisition of land drive may be undertaken to set

up common cemeteries for members of various denominations of the

Christian faith.

The Amicus Curiae informs us that a meeting has already been

held and more meetings are likely to be held soon to resolve the above

dispute. We are told by the Amicus Curiae that some members of the

Hindu, Khasi and Jaintia communities have agreed to share a common

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cremation ground. He further submits that if others can be persuaded to

follow this, nothing could be better. Otherwise, the Committee might

consider acquiring land for cremation purpose also. We direct the

Committee to convene and hold more meetings and arrive at a decision.

List this public interest litigation on 14th August, 2025 to

ascertain the position. The Amicus Curiae is requested to file a short

report on that day.

           (W. Diengdoh)                            (I.P. Mukerji)
               Judge                                 Chief Justice


Meghalaya
30.07.2025
"Sylvana PS"




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