Shillong (Meghalaya), Mar19: In a significant ruling, the Meghalaya High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) and a connected contempt application related to the demolition of St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School in Don Bosco Square, here.
The court accepted the apology and expression of regret from the school management and permitted them to rebuild the structure, provided that the plan and architecture are similar to the original building.
The court’s decision was based on the affidavits filed by the alleged contemnors, who are members of the school’s management board. They claimed that the building was demolished due to its tilting condition, which posed an imminent danger to life and property. However, the court found this explanation “not wholly convincing.”
The Meghalaya High Court, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, directed the school management to strictly comply with their order dated February 24, 2025.
The management is allowed to rebuild the school, but the plan and architecture must be approved by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority.
