Meghalaya HC directs affidavits in PIL on linguistic minority rights

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 23, 2025

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State government, Central government, and the petitioner to file short affidavits in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case concerning the protection and enhancement of linguistic minority rights in the region.

The PIL was filed by the Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum, seeking directions for the implementation of Article 350B of the Constitution of India. The article mandates the protection and promotion of linguistic minority rights.

“The petitioner, the State government and the Central government are directed to file very short affidavits stating to what extent this Court retains jurisdiction to entertain, try and determine this public interest litigation, in view of pendency of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 836 of 2020: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India and others before the Supreme Court. The affidavits should be filed before the next returnable date,” the division bench comprising of Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdh said in its order passed on Tuesday (July 22).

The case will be listed for further hearing on August 12, after the affidavits are filed.