Shillong, Jul 30: Some members of the Hindu, Khasi and Jaintia communities have agreed to share a common cremation ground.
This was informed by Amicus Curiae advocate N. Syngkon before the Meghalaya High Court while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium on Wednesday.
The PIL also deals with acute dearth of space for burial of members of the Christian community.
A division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh after hearing the Amicus Curiae said more meetings should be held by the committee headed by the Chief Secretary to set up common cemeteries for members of various denominations of the Christian faith.
“If others can be persuaded to follow this (common cremation), nothing could be better or else the court appointed committee might consider acquiring land for cremation purpose also,” the court said.
In an order dated July 7, 2025, the court had directed the Chief Secretary to constitute a committee consisting of stakeholders, representatives of the district councils, churches/religious orders, administrative officers, state legal counsel, local functionaries etc. The committee is tasked to hold meeting (s) for acquisition of land for common burial.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 14, 2025.
