SHILLONG, JUN 27: Efforts to break a deadlock over the conduct of Holy Sacraments at the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church failed to yield a solution on Friday, with the Meghalaya High Court observing that the row involves internal ecclesiastical matters beyond immediate judicial resolution.
The dispute, brought before Justice HS Thangkhiew in WP(C) No. 285 of 2026, centers on who should administer Baptism and the Lord’s Supper scheduled for June 28.
The petitioners, Mawkhar Presbyterian Church and another, had challenged a June 19 directive from the Deputy Commissioner that barred the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Mihngi from conducting sacraments at the church.
During Friday’s hearing, the Presbyterian Church of India was added as respondent No. 8 at the petitioners’ request.
Counsel Philemon Nongbri told the Court that the petitioners had already moved the PCI to allow the KJP Synod Mihngi to hold the June 28 services, and sought a stay on the Deputy Commissioner’s order.
Respondents No. 5 to 7, through senior advocate K Paul, countered that the matter stood settled after a Sub-Pastoral Committee meeting on June 23 nominated Rev EB Iawim of Golflink Presbyterian Church to conduct the sacrament.
The pastor, they said, was neutral and acceptable. That suggestion was opposed by the petitioners, who argued the Sub-Pastoral Committee is under the KJP Synod Sepngi — a body they have disassociated from. They maintained they would accept only a pastor from another Synod or one appointed by the PCI itself.
The PCI, however, declined to step in. Advocate L Shongwan, appearing for the apex body, said its Constitution mandates a step-by-step redressal mechanism through the Local Church, District Pastorate, Presbytery and Synod. Direct intervention at this stage, he cautioned, would set a precedent that could disrupt the administration of Presbyterian churches across India. He added that the sacrament could be postponed to allow the dispute to be resolved through proper channels.
Justice Thangkhiew noted that while writ jurisdiction does not ordinarily extend to the internal management of a religious institution, the Court had taken up the matter due to concern for the congregation. The Bench said it had tried to find a “via media” by exploring whether the PCI could nominate a pastor, but the objections raised by the parties and the wider constitutional implications meant no resolution was possible now.
The Court has fixed July 15, 2026, as the next date of hearing and directed the respondents to file affidavits.
