Shillong, Sep 15: The High Court of Meghalaya has quashed three orders issued by the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, restraining the KJP Synod Mihngi from providing pastoral care and administering Holy Sacraments to the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church.
“The State may regulate conduct where such regulation is sanctioned by law and is necessary for the maintenance of public order. It cannot, under the guise of such regulation, decide questions concerning the internal administration of a religious denomination,” Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew observed.
The court ruled that the DC “exceeded the permissible limits” by interpreting the Presbyterian Church of India Constitution to decide ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
The court further noted that “the administration of religious rites and ceremonies lies at the heart of the religious practice of the denomination.”
While quashing the May 13 show-cause notice and June 19 orders, the court clarified police can still act against “actual or imminent threat to public peace, violence, trespass” but not to decide who controls the church.
The court also held that the May 8 memo and March 12 minutes imposing a blanket ban on church meetings, were issued “without reference to any specific and demonstrable threat to public order.”
The court clarified it has expressed “no opinion whatsoever” on the February 1 resolution to leave KJP Synod Sepngi, pastoral appointments, or which Synod has jurisdiction.
“All such questions are left open to be determined by the competent forum,” the court said, warning both factions to “maintain peace and tranquillity” and not take law into their hands.
The historic Mawkhar Church established on January 1, 1871, split after an alleged misappropriation of about Rs 4.65 crore. After its pastor was suspended and defrocked, the congregation voted on February 1, 2026 to dissociate from KJP Synod Sepngi and sought pastoral care from KJP Synod Mihngi.
The DC, citing apprehension of breach of peace, had on March 12, 2026 banned meetings in church premises, and on May 8 and June 19, 2026 barred “external interference” by third-party ministers and directed KJP Synod Mihngi to halt administration of Holy Sacraments (Baptism and Lord’s Supper) scheduled for June 28.
