The Meghalaya government has been asked to hold a meeting with the Seng Khasi and Niam Tre on February 26 to decide on cremation grounds for members of the indigenous faith in Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills.
The order was issued by the Meghalaya High Court today while disposing of the writ petition filed by Phidingstar Khongsit, a member of Seng Khasi.
“A bare perusal of the writ petition reveals that the writ petitioner has made out a case, at least for consideration by the concerned authorities of the State. As such, we are of the view that the writ petition can be disposed of with a direction upon the respondent No.2, being the Community and Rural Development Department, represented by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, to call an open meeting on 26th February, 2021, with the writ petitioner and other members of the indigenous faith including any organisation(s) espousing the cause of the indigenous faith involving Seng Khasi/Niam Tynrai/Niam Tre,” the High Court said.
The court also directed the Community and Rural Development Department to widely publicise the proposed meeting.
It also directed the department that the proposed shall look into the grievances of the writ petitioner, as pleaded in the writ petition, as well as others who may be present in the meeting and after giving adequate opportunity of hearing to all concerned, render a decision in the matter supported with cogent reasons.
“The entire exercise in terms of this order shall be completed by the respondent No.2 (Community and Rural Development Department) as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight weeks, but not later than ten weeks from date of communication of a photostat certified copy of this order,” the High Court said.
