The Meghalaya High Court began hearing a complex case involving a dispute over religious rights to a piece of sacred land in Mawsynram, with two factions of the Khasi tribe clashing over the control of the property.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram and its president Tyllilang Myrthong, challenges the control of the land currently held by the Rangbah Shnong Dorbar (Headman) of Mawsynram. The petitioners, who identify as followers of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, claim they are being prevented from conducting their traditional religious practices on the disputed land.
In its order, the court noted the allegation that another faction of the Khasi community had wrongfully taken possession of the property, hindering the petitioners’ religious activities. The dispute has become even more complicated due to a parallel Title Suit (T.S. No.74 of 2024) being heard in the Subordinate District Council Court, Shillong.
The bench, consisting of Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, has directed the respondents to present relevant documents from the District Council Court’s proceedings to help assess the situation.