Meghalaya HC permits Mawjymbuin Cave Yatra with conditions

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 12, 2025

The Meghalaya High Court has permitted a yatra (pilgrimage) to the Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynram, subject to certain conditions.

The court was earlier approached to facilitate the conduct of the yatra, and the parties agreed on specific conditions to ensure a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage.

These include: the district authorities will supervise the yatra to ensure it is conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.

Pilgrims will not perform any puja or rituals at the cave and will not bring any articles for such purposes.

They will, however, be allowed to sprinkle water on the stone at the cave—but only symbolically and not in excess.

The organiser will engage private security or volunteers to act as traffic wardens to assist with the yatra.

The overall security and maintenance of law and order will remain the responsibility of the state authorities.

“In consideration of the matter and urgency expressed, and the conditions given by the State respondents No. 1- 5 through the Deputy Commissioner, and the undertaking given by the Dorbar Shnong, Mawsynram Village to the said Yatra, it is therefore directed that the petitioner shall undertake the pilgrimage as per the conditions which have been enumerated in the communication dated July 10, 2025, and this Court also emphasises the need to maintain order and solemnity and to avoid any littering, or to cause any disruption of traffic movement. The condition that the Organiser shall also engage Private Security or Volunteers as Traffic Wardens for assistance on the day of the Yatra, shall also be adhered to,” the single bench headed by Justice HS Thangkhiew said in its order passed on Friday.

“Though objections have been raised by respondents No. 6-8 regarding the pouring of water on the stone, to balance equities and in the interest of justice, the organiser (petitioner) shall only permit symbolic sprinkling and not pouring of water on the stone on the appointed date,” it added.

The bench has listed the matter for further orders on July 31, 2025, and has directed the parties to discuss and decide on the dates for the yatra, which will be communicated to the district authorities.