Circuit House demolition
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the Heritage Committee to submit a detailed report on the identification of buildings, artefacts, structures and other elements covered under Section 3 of the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012, along with the steps taken for their restoration and preservation.
The direction was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice HS Thangkhiew while hearing a PIL concerning a building known as Bidhan Bhavan or Roy Villa, which currently functions as a State Circuit House. The petition expressed concern over the proposed demolition of the structure.
During the hearing on Thursday, the Advocate General sought additional time to file a detailed affidavit after examining relevant records pertaining to the history of the building and its transition into a State Circuit House.
The Court noted that Meghalaya has already enacted the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012, under which the Meghalaya Heritage Authority has been constituted to exercise the powers and functions mandated by the Act.
Emphasising the importance of conservation, the Court observed that Meghalaya has a rich history and heritage. “Every civilisation is known for its culture, which is best understood and appreciated through its creations—buildings, monuments and artefacts, to mention a few. Even the preservation of literature, arts and culture of that time, insofar as restoration is possible, is essential for knowledge,” the Bench said.
It added that proper identification of heritage buildings is necessary, as they reflect the architecture and culture of their period, and their restoration and preservation are vital for present and future generations.
The Heritage Committee has also been directed to examine the heritage status of the building in question, which prima facie appears to hold historical significance, and to file its report on the next date of hearing. The State has been granted an extension to file its affidavit until February 5, 2026.
