By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 5: During the hearing of a PIL concerning the shortage of crematoriums for the Khasi, Jaintia, and Hindu communities in the state, forcing residents to transport bodies over long distances for cremation, the High Court of Meghalaya has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the court directed the District Magistrate to comply with its earlier directive within four weeks.
However, the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities have expressed reluctance to share cremation facilities with the Hindu community due to differences in funeral rites.
Despite the government’s proposal to establish electric hybrid crematoria in New Shillong, Tura, Jowai, and Nongpoh, as well as previously sanctioned or completed projects in Syllei-Iawkein, Nongstoin, Khlieh Tyrshi village (Jowai), West Jaintia Hills, and Jhalupara (Shillong), none of these facilities are currently operational.
The High Court noted that its order dated October 25, 2024, had suggested an interim solution — a shared crematorium with different time slots for different communities — but there had been little to no progress.
“There is no report in Court with regard to progress in terms of our earlier order. We are not at all pleased with this state of affairs,” the Court said.
During the hearing, Amicus Curiae and Deputy Solicitor General of India, Dr N Mozika, requested to be relieved from his role. The court accepted his request and appointed Advocate N Syngkon as the new Amicus Curiae, instructing him to collaborate with the District Magistrate.
The Registrar General has been directed to forward the court’s order to the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, and the case is scheduled for the next hearing on April 8, 2025.
The court’s firm stance indicates that further delays may invite stronger judicial intervention.