Shillong (Meghalaya), June 13: The Meghalaya High Court, led by Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, has taken up a PIL regarding the dearth of crematoria and lack of facilities for cremation in the state. The court noted that some settlement had been reached between the Khasi and Jaintia communities and the Hindu community regarding sharing a crematorium, and the government was constructing new crematoria.
However, the court observed that a new issue had arisen regarding discord between various Christian denominations over sharing a cemetery. The court expanded the scope of the PIL to include the Christian community and directed the three District Councils to be made party respondents.
The court directed the Amicus Curiae to work with the community and arrive at a solution to solve the problem of burying the dead in cemeteries. The court adjourned the matter till July 3, 2025, and directed the State and the committee to file a joint report or separate reports by July 1, 2025. The District Councils will cooperate with the State and the committee for implementation of the order.
