Shillong (Meghalaya), July 23: The Meghalaya High Court is examining a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges aspects of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997. The PIL, filed by Syngkhong Rympei Thymmai, concerns the issuance of Scheduled Tribe certificates to members of the Khasi community.
The petitioner argues that eligible Khasi individuals should not be denied Scheduled Tribe certificates based on their choice of surname. A government letter in 2020 had stated that the Act did not prohibit issuing certificates to applicants using surnames from either parent or to non-Khasi wives adopting their husband’s surname. However, this letter was withdrawn in May 2024, leading to authorities reportedly stopping certificate issuance to Khasis using their father’s or husband’s surname.
The Meghalaya High Court admitted the PIL on June 27. A division bench comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh directed the District Council Affairs Department to file a report. The court emphasized the need for expeditious resolution in the interest of the Khasi community. The case is listed for further consideration on August 7.
