Meghalaya High Court History, Landmark Judgements, and Everything You Should Know

August 12, 2025

The highest court in the Indian state of Meghalaya is the Meghalaya High Court. Following its separation from the Gauhati High Court’s jurisdiction, it was formally constituted on March 23, 2013, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) and Other Related Laws (Amendment) Act, 2012.The Meghalayan capital, Shillong, is home to the High Court. In terms of civil, criminal, constitutional, and other legal issues, it has jurisdiction over the whole state of Meghalaya. The President of India appoints the Chief Justice and additional justices to the court, much like in other Indian High Courts. English is used primarily, as in the majority of Indian High Courts. It makes sure that the Constitution’s fundamental rights are upheld and hears appeals, writ petitions, and other cases from Meghalaya’s lower courts and tribunals.

1. Meghalaya High Court history

A. Before Meghalaya Had Its Own High Court

Prior to 2013, Meghalaya lacked a High Court of its own.

o Through a permanent bench in Shillong, the Gauhati High Court, situated in Guwahati, Assam, had authority over Meghalayan judicial affairs.

B. Formation of the Meghalaya High Court

2012: The Indian Parliament passed the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) and Other Related Laws (Amendment) Act, 2012.Previously it was serving as benches of the Gauhati High Court, this Act permitted the establishment of distinct High Courts for Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura.On March 23, 2013, Shillong hosted the opening of the Meghalaya High Court.Meghalaya had its own autonomous High Court for the first time. Justice T. Meena Kumari was appointed as the Meghalaya High Court’s first Chief Justice.

C. Post-Establishment

Since its creation, the Meghalaya High Court has been the highest judicial authority in the state. It handles all the appeals from lower courts in Meghalaya. Meghalaya High Court is also responsible for writ petitions for enforcement of fundamental rights and it also interprets the constitutional articles and amendments.

D. Significance

The establishment of a distinct High Court was viewed as a critical step in enhancing Meghalaya’s judicial latest news independence, expanding the state’s citizens’ access to justice, and lessening reliance on the Gauhati High Court.

2. Important judgements of Meghalaya High Court

1. Disciplinary inquiry quashing (July 2025): A disciplinary memorandum issued in October 2024 was overturned by the High Court, which was presided over by Acting Chief Justice H. S. Thangkhiew. The Court said that reviving a 2006 probe that had previously been closed went against its previous order to finish the proceedings in six weeks. Although criminal procedures were not impacted, the new investigation was found to be illogical and in violation of court instructions.

2. Review Isn’t a False Appeal (April 2024)
A review petition against a CGST Commissioner’s order was denied by a bench consisting of Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan and Justice H. S. Thangkhiew. The bench emphasized that reviews are only allowed to fix errors that are evident from the record and cannot be used to reopen the case.

3. Finality & Consistency of Decisions (February 2023)
In the case of Union of India & Anr. vs. Bina Khongbuh & Ors., the Court stressed the importance of judicial discipline and finality. It strengthened jurisprudential stability by upholding precedent over overturning earlier rulings.

4. Rubber-Stamping Scrutiny (March 2024)
Justice B. Bhattacharjee overturned the conviction in the Arjun Boro v. State of Meghalaya POCSO case, holding that judges must consider the evidence carefully and not blindly accept the prosecution’s version of events, particularly in delicate instances involving minors.

5. Common Burial Grounds: Public Interest Directive (July 2025): In order to resolve shortages and cross-community sensitivities, the Court ordered the state to purchase or donate property for common burial grounds in response to a public interest lawsuit. To coordinate with all parties, a high-level committee was mandated to be established.

6. Thin Plastics Prohibition (May 2025): The Court ordered the state to take action against plastics smaller than 120 microns, enforcing humane disposal procedures, public awareness programs, and seizures in order to reduce environmental impact.

7. Shillong Airport Infrastructure Push (July 2025)

The Court ordered the Defense Ministry and AAI, among other organizations, to hasten Shillong Airport’s expansion in a Public Interest Litigation. It outlined the specifics of the property acquisition and highlighted the project’s significance for development, tourism, and connectivity.

8. Environmental Monitoring: Falling Ropeway Trees (August 2025)

Regarding the deforestation for the Shillong Peak ropeway project, the High Court stepped in. Tree removal should only be done when absolutely essential, and compensatory planting must be meaningful and local, according to the feasibility study for afforestation surrounding the site that was ordered. For more legal news on Meghalaya High Court we recommend verdictum.in for legal updates.

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