Meghalaya HC seeks report on heritage status of school building

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 10, 2024

The High Court of Meghalaya has sought for a status report on the present condition of the school buildings of St Anthony’s Lower Primary School, Shillong as to be able to decide whether to declare the school buildings as heritage site or allow its demolition.

The order was passed by the Division Bench of HCM comprising B. Bhattacharjee Judge and IP Mukerji, Chief Justice HCM during the hearing of PIL No. 11 of 2024 with the MC(PIL) No, 5 of 2024 between Raphael Warjri versus State of Meghalaya and others.

During the hearing, the Court apprised that the public interest litigation is by Warjri who desire the demolition of the school building of St. Anthony’s Lower Primary school, situated in Don Bosco Square is stopped. He also wanted the building which is Assam-type colonial structure and of significant architectural and historical value, which needs to be conserved .

The Court was informed regarding the relevant provisions of the said Act, most importantly, Section 3(2) where the authority constituted under the said Act on the formation of an opinion, by notification in the Official Gazettes whereby it invites views from the public whether a particular building or site is to be declared as a heritage.

The Court was also informed that the school is actively proceeding to commence demolition work.

The Court directed that a copy of the petition along with an appropriate notice be served to the school authorities and also directed a senior official to inspect the school building.

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