Shillong, Aug. 20: The Meghalaya High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the disturbances during a public procession on August 19, in which extensive damage was allegedly caused to public property and the safety of citizens was put at risk.
A Division Bench comprising Justices H.S. Thangkhiew and W. Diengdoh, while hearing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 16 of 2026, noted that government vehicles, police station vehicles and public transport vehicles were damaged, while the safety of citizens, including school-going children, was endangered. The Court also took note of the alleged desecration of statues of national heroes.
The Court recorded the State’s submission that authorities had already taken steps in connection with the incidents and that some office-bearers of the organisation involved had been arrested.
However, the Bench directed the authorities to take more intensive and immediate steps to apprehend those responsible and bring them to book.
The State has been directed to submit a report detailing the steps taken by August 24.
The matter has been listed for hearing on August 24, 2026.
