Shillong, Jan 28: The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday issued notices to five officials of Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong, for alleged criminal contempt. The school management reportedly demolished a building despite the court’s consideration of the matter.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, directed notices to Sagi Stephen Parappilly, Arcadius Puwein, Edmund Gomes, Dianetius Fernandez, and Cyril Tirkey, asking them to appear before the court on February 24, 2025, to explain why they should not be punished for contempt.
The court issued an interim order prohibiting any further demolition, construction, or alterations to the school building, with local police tasked with enforcing compliance.
The bench criticized the management’s decision, calling it a bold challenge to the court’s authority. “Although no formal restraining order was issued, the act amounts to interference with justice,” the court noted.
The case originated from a PIL filed by Raphael Warjri, who claimed the school operated in a historic Assam-type structure deserving of heritage status. The court had directed the state to inspect the building under the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012.
A report submitted by AAG K Khan stated the school building was still intact as of December 16, 2024, but noted its significance due to its location near Don Bosco Square. The report recommended listing the building as heritage, given its cultural context.
The court emphasized that it had expected the school management to pause demolition activities during the inquiry and regretted their disregard for due process.
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