Shillong, Aug 3: The Meghalaya High Court on Monday directed the Director General of Police to issue clear instructions barring political parties, NGOs and other non-police groups from addressing the media inside police stations and lock-ups.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh was hearing a petition filed by the High Court Bar Association related to the alleged assault of advocate AH Hazarika by members of the Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF).
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told the court that FIR Sadar PS Case No. 275/2026 was registered on July 31 and four HNYF members have been arrested.
Medico-legal papers showed the advocate suffered injuries to the face and jaw and was unconscious for 5-10 minutes. Police said CCTV footage from Keating Road to Sadar PS has been preserved.
Noting that non-state actors had addressed the media on police premises, the SP said he had already issued a warning against the practice.
“We expect the DGP of the State to also issue a similar direction or standing order to all Police Stations, to ensure that Police Stations/lock-ups are not used as venues for press briefings by any political party/NGO and others… except by the Police,” the court said.
The court also directed the IO of Sadar PS to appear with case records, and sought a state affidavit on compliance with Supreme Court directions in the Tehseen S. Poonawalla case on mob violence.
The matter will be heard next on August 19, 2026.
