Shillong, July 12: The Meghalaya High Court has permitted a yatra (pilgrimage) to the Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynram, subject to certain conditions.
The court had earlier been asked to facilitate the conduct of the yatra, and the parties had agreed to certain conditions to ensure a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage.
These include, the district authorities will supervise the yatra to ensure that it is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The pilgrims will not perform any puja or rituals at the cave, and will not bring any articles for such purposes.
The pilgrims will be allowed to sprinkle water on the stone at the cave, but only in a symbolic manner and not in excess.
The organizer will engage private security or volunteers as traffic wardens to assist with the yatra.
The overall security and maintenance of law and order will be 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 av oid 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 the respondents No. 6-8 to the pouring of water on the stone, to balance the equities and in the interest of justice, the Organiser (petitioner) shall only permit a 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.
 to the Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynram, subject to certain conditions. ){kind=link}