The Meghalaya High Court has taken serious note of the demolition of the St. Anthony’s Lower Primary School building, which was under consideration for heritage status, calling it a “most daring challenge to the authority of the Court” and prima facie an act of criminal contempt.
The case was initiated as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) based on allegations that the school was housed in an Assam-type colonial structure of architectural and historical significance, warranting its declaration as a heritage building. However, despite pending court proceedings, the school management went ahead with its demolition.
On December 9, 2024, the Court had ordered the State to conduct an inspection and inquiry under the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012, to assess the heritage value of the structure. While the Court refrained from issuing an explicit stay on demolition due to the school’s absence in the proceedings, it was expected that the management would not proceed with any activity that would render the legal process futile.
A report submitted by Assistant Advocate General K. Khan confirmed that the inspection was carried out on December 16, 2024. The report acknowledged that while the building itself did not qualify as a heritage structure, its significance lay in its location overlooking Don Bosco Square and its integration with the surrounding heritage elements. Consequently, the Meghalaya Heritage Sub-Committee recommended that the building be listed as a heritage site.
However, the school’s legal counsel informed the Court that the structure had been completely demolished, effectively nullifying the PIL even before a final decision could be reached.
Expressing shock and dismay, the Court observed that although there was no direct restraining order, the demolition amounted to interference with the administration of justice. Declaring the act as prima facie criminal contempt, the Court issued notices under the Contempt of Courts (High Court of Meghalaya) Rules, 2013, to the school’s management, including:
Sagi Stephen Parappilly
Arcadius Puwein
Edmund Gomes
Dianetius Fernandez
Cyril Tirkey
The notice, returnable on February 24, 2025, requires the named individuals to appear before the Court and show cause as to why they should not be penalized for criminal contempt.
Additionally, as an interim measure, the Court has ordered a complete halt to any further demolition, construction, or alteration of the site until further notice. The local police have been directed to ensure strict compliance with this order.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on February 24, 2025.