Shillong, Nov 14: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded immediate clarification and suspension of any alleged ongoing religious construction within the central bureau of investigation (CBI) office premises at Mawdiangdiang under the New Shillong Township.
In a petition submitted CBI Head of Branch on Friday, the HYC has alleged that a structure purported to be a temple is being erected inside the CBI compound, raising concerns of violation of constitutional secularism and state laws.
It has demanded the CBI to immediately cause an internal verification of the facts concerning any religious construction within the CBI premises.
“That, pending such verification, all works related to any proposed or ongoing religious construction be suspended forthwith, to prevent irreversible alteration of the premises or potential violation of law,” HYC president Roykupar Synrem said adding “That, should it be found that the construction was commenced without due permission, necessary action under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 and relevant regulations in the State of Meghalaya be initiated to remove such unauthorised structure and restore the premises to its original secular state.”
The HYC has asked the CBI to issue a formal clarification within two weeks, indicating the current factual position, the approvals obtained if any, and the measures undertaken to safeguard constitutional and statutory compliance.
HYC emphasized the petition is not against any faith but aims to safeguard the secular character and public trust in the CBI, a neutral investigative agency.
“This petition is submitted not in opposition to any faith or community, but in defence of the secular essence of public administration. The CBI Office, by upholding neutrality, stands as a guardian of constitutional morality and equal justice. HYC places its utmost trust in the integrity and responsibility of your office and believes that appropriate corrective and preventive actions will be taken in accordance with law.”
Synrem stated that the construction, if confirmed, would contravene the Meghalaya Building Bye‑Laws, 2021, which require prior written permission for any alteration of land use, and the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, which prohibits unauthorized use of government property.
The petition also cites constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments—such as S.R. Bommai v. Union of India and Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala—that affirm secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution, obliging all state organs to maintain neutrality.
“The CBI Office is a symbol of the Government’s commitment to impartial investigation and enforcement of the law. Its institutional credibility rests on its perceived neutrality and fairness before citizens of every religion, ethnicity, or background. The construction of a temple or any religious structure within its compound risks eroding this perception, creating a visible association between the Government and one particular faith. Such symbolic endorsement would not only contravene the principles of equality and secularism but could also alienate communities, thereby diminishing public trust in one of the Government’s most sensitive institutions,” Synrem further stated.
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