The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Meghalaya Heritage Authority to nominate any senior official to inspect and make preliminary inquiry into the 123-year-old building of St. Anthony’s LP School in Don Bosco Square set for demolition.
The division bench consisting of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Biswadeep Bhattacharjee was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by artist, Raphael Warjri, who wants the court to stop the demolition and conserve the Assam-type colonial structure that is significant architectural and historical value.
The LP school, which symbolised history and tradition for generations, is set to be razed this December. The school management fearing safety risks for students has opted to replace it with a modern concrete structure to meet current infrastructure standards and facilities.
The High Court also noted provisions of Section 3 (2) of the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012 where the authority constituted under the Act, on the formation of an opinion, by notification in the Official Gazette, invites views from the public whether a particular building or site is to be declared as a heritage. “Upon consideration of the objections and suggestions received, it proceeds to decide the matter,” the court said.
The High Court further directed that a copy of the petition, along with an appropriate notice, be served to the school authorities.
The matter will come up for hearing on January 28, 2025.
